Crown Court: Witnesses
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what guidance is issued on (a) moving cases between Crown Court centres and (b) prioritising cases involving vulnerable complainants or safeguarding risks.
Answered by Sarah Sackman
The listing of cases, including decisions as to the court centre at which a case is heard, is a judicial responsibility and function. As things currently stand, the Criminal Practice Directions 2023, made by and under the authority of the Lady Chief Justice, provide that all cases are brought to a hearing or trial in accordance with the interests of justice, that resources available are deployed as effectively as possible and with minimum delay.
The transfer of cases between court centres is subject to agreement of the relevant leadership judges and guidance of the Presiding Judges of the relevant circuit or circuits.
The Criminal Practice Directions 2023 sets out the key principles of listing practice. This includes that priority should be accorded to the trial of young defendants and cases where there are vulnerable or young witnesses.
Later this year, the Lady Chief Justice plans to issue a revised practice direction, which should, amongst other things, make the prioritisation of cases requiring hearing more effective, consistent and predictable.
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