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Vulnerable Witnesses

Background

The Vulnerable Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2004 aims to improve conditions for vulnerable witnesses. It is being introduced in stages and is overseen by a steering group within the Scottish Government which represents the key interest groups. The work of this steering group can be followed at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/criminal/18244/17068/VictimSteeringGroupVSG

Guidance

The Scottish Government has also produced a number of support materials. There is:

  • an information guide;
  • a guidance pack on special measures for practitioners; and
  • a series of "Being a Witness" booklets for children, young people and parents/carers.

All of these can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Justice/criminal/17416/InformationMaterials

Live TV Links

Certain witnesses, on application, may be able give their evidence from another part of the court building in which the proceedings are taking place. 29 courtrooms in 22 courts have been equipped with vulnerable witness equipment which will allow this to take place. Information on what equipment each court has can be found on our courtroom technology pages.

This equipment can also allow a vulnerable witness to give their evidence from a different court building altogether if this is thought better for the witness.

Additionally, the Scottish Court Service is looking to provide a site in each sheriffdom where, if necessary, a witness can give their evidence without entering a court building. StandardsAdobe PDF icon have been agreed for these sites.

Protocol for allocation and management of live TV link facilities

A protocolAdobe PDF icon has been agreed for the allocation and management of the live TV link facilities. Anyone considering citing a witness for whom a live TV link would be appropriate should contact the Electronic Services Delivery Unit within the Scottish Court Service at the earliest opportunity. The protocol includes a form for this purpose which can be downloaded hereMS Word document icon