The law in relation to the reception of evidence from witnesses deemed vulnerable by reason of age or incapacity has undergone a seismic shift since the enactment of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. Children and those with physical or mental difficulties are now able to have their voices heard in court in a way which would have been considered unheard of 15 years ago.

What are the advantages and pitfalls of the reception of evidence via special measures and the cross examination of vulnerable witnesses via pre-recorded links under section 28 of the YJCEA? Is the roll-out to a wider group of witnesses realistic and a workable option given the stress upon the court system at present? What skills are needed to enable the practitioner to effectively cross examine a vulnerable witness? Is the use of Registered Intermediaries a help or a hindrance to a jury in enabling them to understand the difficulties and limitations of such witnesses?

This weekend will give students an opportunity to examine these issues and others in this constantly changing field of law with judges and practitioners who deal in it in practice. It will also examine the ethical issues which can arise in its practice. Finally, there will be an advocacy exercise so that students can discover for themselves how advocacy is practiced in this area of law, concentrating on bad as well as good practice.