NCJ Number
206063
Date Published
2004
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This report presents survey findings from vulnerable and intimidated witnesses in England and Wales regarding their reaction to the “special measures” taken within the criminal justice system to assist them.
Abstract
The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 in England and Wales contained a range of special measures to improve the treatment of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. These special measures were implemented in the Crown Court in July 2002. Two surveys were conducted to assess the impact of the special measures on witnesses. The first survey (phase 1) of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses was conducted before the implementation of special measures and the second survey (phase 2) was conducted after the implementation. Phase 1 of the survey was completed by 552 witnesses and phase 2 was completed by 569 witnesses. A profile is offered of the victims and intimidated witnesses interviewed for the study and the use of each type of special measure by witnesses is considered. Key findings indicated that vulnerable and intimidated witnesses who utilized special measures reported less anxiety and distress. One-third of these respondents indicated they could not have provided evidence without the use of the special measures. A full 76 percent of respondents who used special measures were satisfied with their criminal justice experience, compared with 65 percent of respondents who did not use special measures. Among the witnesses who used special measures, there was a statistically significant increase in overall satisfaction between phase 1 and phase 2 of the study. Multivariate analysis revealed that the most significant predictor of satisfaction with the criminal justice system among vulnerable and intimidated witnesses were satisfaction with the police and defense attorney. In light of the positive assessment of the special measures, their use should be implemented widely throughout England and Wales. Tables, figure, note, references