This section of our website provides resources on the legal considerations that apply to working with vulnerable witnesses. The resources include information on relevant directions within the legal professions.
Criminal procedural rules are about criminal court procedures in all courts. They are published at legislation.gov.uk.
The Criminal Practice Directions supplement the Criminal Procedural Rules by guiding judicial discretion, and detailing a range of adjustments that should be considered.
The Equal Treatment Bench Book (ETBB) for England and Wales aims to increase awareness and understanding of the different circumstances of people appearing in courts and tribunals. It helps enable effective communication and suggests steps which should increase participation by all parties. The latest edition can be found on the Courts and Tribunals Judiciary website www.judiciary.uk.
By utilising the resources available on our website, legal professionals can ensure that they are fully informed about the legal considerations when working with vulnerable witnesses.
Those wishing to view this guidance should always seek out the most up to date version. This is a link to judiciary.gov.uk who keep it regularly updated on their website: https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/rules_pd_menu
The Youth Court Bench Book (YCBB) provides guidance for magistrates who sit in the youth court dealing with defendants under the age of 18. It is used for reference at court and to support consistent training.
The latest edition of the YCBB (dated January 2024) has been updated to reflect the changes to case management (including updates to the Criminal Procedure Rules 2020 made in October 2023).
The Equal Treatment Bench Book is a dynamic document. In the event that you choose to print or download it, please be aware that it is subject to modification and improvement from time to time. Please always check online for the latest version.
Rule 3A and practice direction 3AA allow for the use of screens, video link, using a device to communicate, and for questioning to be undertaken with an intermediary.
It is important to do a fresh search before using the ETBB on any occasion, as there are periodic revisions between editions.
Family Procedure Rules - https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/family/rules_pd_menu
It is important to do a fresh search before using the ETBB on any occasion, as there are periodic revisions between editions.
The Criminal Procedure Rules govern criminal court procedure in magistrates’ courts, the Crown Court, the Court of Appeal and, in extradition appeal cases, the High Court.
They can be found on the government website here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rules-and-practice-directions-2020
Part 3 of the Criminal Procedure Rules covers Case management, including Ground Rules Hearings.
It is important to do a fresh search before using the ETBB on any occasion, as there are periodic revisions between editions.
