Legal considerations
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. 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.
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.
It is important to always do a fresh search before using the information from or relating to these publications, as there are periodic revisions between editions.
October 2015, as last amended May 2020
The Equal Treatment Bench Book (ETBB) 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 Family Procedure Rules are updated regularly and provide guidance on all procedures in Family Court including the use of intermediaries.
The Family Procedure Rules are updated regularly and provide guidance on all procedures in Family Court including the use of intermediaries. Those wishing to view this guidance should always seek out the most up to date version. We have linked to judiciary.gov.uk who keep it regularly updated on their website. The Family Procedure Rules (FPR) are a set of rules that govern the conduct of family law proceedings in England and Wales. They provide a framework for how family court cases are handled. Part 3A and Practice Direction 3AA cover the participation of vulnerable people in family court.
This Practice Direction supplements FPR Part 3A.
Find the most up to date version of The Criminal Procedure Rules here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rules-and-practice-directions-2020
Find the most up to date version of the YCBB here: https://www.judiciary.uk/guidance-and-resources/youth-court-bench-book-…