A Practical Guide To Dealing With Vulnerable Witnesses In Criminal Courts And Beyond

There is an ever increasing need to obtain the best evidence from vulnerable witnesses. The importance of recognising the extent of law relating to vulnerability continues to increase. The law also embraces Adults who have conditions such as a Learning Disability or who experience the effects of events and conditions such as autism and Asperger's. It is vital, therefore, that Practitioners can provide the best advice to clients and their families and supporters connected to this complex and developing area of work. It is equally important that other Professionals involved in assisting the court process understand the treatment of Vulnerable Adults and appreciate how the law impacts on their work and informs them of the best ways to achieve the best evidence rule. This book looks at the comprehensive regime affecting Vulnerable Adults, and reflecting the requirements of the Youth Justice and Evidence Act. It offers an overview of the content of case law in relation to vulnerable witnesses in the criminal courts and beyond, and the practical steps available to those advising them in criminal cases and beyond. The book also considers what assistance can be offered in other areas of law. This book offers practical advice. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sally Penni is a Barrister at Law with 21 years' experience. She is an advocate specialising in public law with an emphasis on vulnerability. She is an Approved Advocate trainer, a Bencher of the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn. She is a member of the Board of TAG - the Advocates Gateway.

The first book to provide a practical guide to understanding, assessing, and dealing with vulnerable witnesses and vulnerable defendants at each stage of the pre-trial and court process. This title draws together the law, protocols and guidelines relating to the responsibilities of judges, magistrates, advocates, defence solicitors and the CPS.

This third edition of Forensic Psychology: The Basics continues to provide an accessible overview of the core topics and theories in this fascinating discipline. The book provides an engaging discussion of core topics and theory in forensic psychology, alongside information about the role of a professional forensic psychologist. In addition to the established topics such as the psychology of crime and criminality, police psychology, victimology and correctional psychology, this edition has been fully updated to include coverage of: The impact of labelling offenders The effectiveness of new assessment Rehabilitation programmes Special topics such as terrorism, the effects of war on ex-service personnel and offender profiling have been updated, and further attention is paid to recent changes to legislation in the UK and other countries. The book also explores the importance of nature and nurture for people who commit offences, with a special focus on how this is relevant to the development of psychopathic tendencies. This invaluable guide is essential reading for students across a range of disciplines, including psychology, criminology and law, as well as general readers seeking a concise and jargon-free introduction to forensic psychology.

A number of other areas have been added dealing with Parliamentary changes to the treatment of child and mentally incompetent witnesses, preliminary inquiry evidence at trial and prohibited cross-examination of the accused. There is expanded discussion in areas such as the rule against collateral facts, the evidence of children and persons who may be mentally incompetent, the derivative confessions rule and the right to remain silent and specific presumptions."--pub. desc.

A Practical Guide to Fostering Law is an accessible, jargon-free guide to key areas of law for foster carers and those who work with them. --

This publication represents not only the current state of knowledge from experts in the field, but more importantly evidence of a seismic shift in the justice system.

Witness testimony in sexual cases is a complex and controversial topic and this practical guide provides comprehensive and balanced advice for criminal justice professionals at all stages of involvement in the legal process. It draws together essential legal and scientific information for all professionals working in this field.

"...the book fully justifies its title and will earn a well-thumbed place on the bookshelves, not only of children's lawyers, but also of children's guardians and intermediaries who need to understand how the court can, or cannot, assist the vulnerable to give evidence..." Seen and Heard Are you prepared to protect the vulnerable in court? This book guides you through the rights of witnesses and the duties of advocates in family and criminal proceedings. Explaining the legal structure currently in place to assist vulnerable individuals, this title covers every stage of proceedings, including the investigation/pre-proceeding, and post-proceedings, whilst also looking at anonymity and protective orders. In addition, it discusses the sanctions available to the court if proper consideration and sufficient protection has not been given to vulnerable people at each stage. Covering legislation, regulation and authorities which govern these situations, it offers best practice regarding the examination of those who have difficulty understanding their case, by reason of age, circumstance or emotional and psychological difficulties. Practical help is provided through: Step-by-step guidance at each stage Helpful suggestions as to how to approach the hearing at each stage of proceedings Links to the useful guidance regularly referred to within proceedings including the Advocates Gateway