NCJ Number
173684
Date Published
1998
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines services available to witnesses in magistrates' courts and the youth court.
Abstract
Research findings included: (1) The courts did not meet nationally agreed standards for witness care; (2) Only 54 percent of witnesses gave evidence on the day they were called to magistrates' court, 25 percent in youth court; witnesses waited, on average, 3 hours before being called; (3) Non-separation of defense and prosecution witnesses and inadequate security, especially in youth court, increased intimidation risks for prosecution witnesses; (4) More than one-third of prosecution witnesses were not told how to get to court and half were not told what to do on arrival; even more defense witnesses had those problems; (5) Prosecution and defense witnesses wanted more information and explanations; they gave emotional support a much lower priority; (6) Responsibility for witness care was fragmented and given insufficient priority, resulting in poor provision for witnesses; and (7) Courts should have a witness service as a focal point for enquiries. Figures, references