Process evaluation of Pre-Recorded Cross-Examination Pilot (Section 28)

This document describes an evaluation of the effectiveness of Section 28 (s.28) of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 in the UK and New Zealand, which involves pre-recording cross-examination for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. The policy's goal is to improve evidence quality and reduce witness stress by recording testimony earlier in the trial process. The evaluation used interviews, monitoring data, and various studies to assess the policy's impact in pilot courts. Results showed that s.28 can lead to shorter trials, fewer cracked trials, and more early guilty pleas, suggesting improved court efficiency and potentially higher quality evidence. However, challenges such as procedural delays, technology issues, and the need for better communication and training were identified. Witnesses had mixed experiences, with some reporting reduced distress while others felt it was equally stressful. Defense advocates' treatment of witnesses and the role of intermediaries were also highlighted. The evaluation concludes that s.28 offers benefits but also faces significant implementation challenges, and suggests that its principles could enhance conventional trials. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Ministry of Justice (MOJ)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
• Evaluation types: Process evaluation
• Process methods: Individual interviews
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: September 2016

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Links to published evaluations (DEBUGGING): No final report link found.
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes