Draft papers propose greater protection
Tuesday, 03 June, 2008
New proposals to give greater protection to victims and witnesses in court are amongst those set out in the Ministry of Justice's contribution to the Draft Legislative Programme.
Three of the 18 bills proposed will be taken forward by the Ministry of Justice. They are;
* Law Reform, Victims and Witnesses Bill
* Coroners and Death Certification Bill
* Constitutional Renewal Bill.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw explained, "These proposals will sharpen the focus of the justice system and our democracy on the needs of the public. They will help ensure that the system is balanced in favour of the law-abiding majority.
"Appearing in court as a victim or witness is a stressful experience. We want to make sure people in this position are given as much support as possible. The reform of the coroners system, for the families of civilian and service victims alike is very important. Our proposals for constitutional renewal will ensure that power is located where it should be on fundamental issues such as judicial appointments and committing troops to conflict: with Parliament, on behalf of the people."
The Law Reform, Victims and Witnesses Bill aims to increase public confidence in the criminal justice system and help protect the vulnerable. Proposals to extend protective measures such as the use of live video link evidence will help reassure victims, especially of gun and gang-related crime. Other proposals include reforming some areas of the law on homicide such as complicity in relation to murder, establishing a structured sentencing framework and Sentencing Commission, and preventing criminals profiting from publications about their crimes.
The Coroners and Death Certification Bill plans to improve the system of death investigation for families so that they can be assured that the cause of death of their relative has been properly established and, where possible, lessons can be learned to prevent future similar deaths. This includes the modernisation of the coroners system, appointing a new Chief Coroner, establishing an accessible right of appeal for families against coroners' decisions, and establishing a body of medical examiners to scrutinise the causes of death given by doctors on death certificates.
The Constitutional Renewal Bill will extend civil liberties, strengthen Parliament and make the executive more accountable to the people. Proposals include removing the requirement to give notice of demonstrations in and around Parliament Square, reforming the role of the Attorney General, reducing the role of the Lord Chancellor in judicial appointments and removing the Prime Minister from the process of appointing Supreme Court judges. The bill will be part of a wider programme of constitutional reform which will include proposals for a Bill of Rights and Responsibilities. White papers on reforming the House of Lords and party political financing are also planned.
