True Power for Witnesses in Court
Currently True Power Strategies is shining a light on:
True Power for Witnesses in Court.
Every day many people experience cross-examination in court. It can be a distressing and on occasion, a traumatic experience for them. Justice Minister, Kenneth Clarke, has said “you cannot stop people making a nasty defence.” Whilst he was sorry for the “terrible ordeal,” that the parents’ of Milly Dowler went through, “it was often an unavoidable consequence of a fair trial.”
Trauma and distress can be avoided if public funds are made available for witnesses to be given training on how to reduce their fears and present their evidence effectively. Research is necessary to assess the harm done to witnesses and the costs to the public purse. Judges and lawyers also need to be educated on the nature and impact of trauma, so directions can be given to protect witnesses and reduce the harm to them.
Witnesses should not have to speak their truth, at the risk of their health, safety or life.
Do you agree there is a need for :
- witnesses to receive training
- judges and lawyers educated on the nature and impact of trauma and how to avoid it!
- research on the harm to witnesses and costs to public purse
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