Deck 14: Safeguarding Vulnerable Witnesses

Question 1

In the context of vulnerable witnesses, the term "attrition" refers to the tendency for witnesses to drop out of the various investigative and prosecution phases of the criminal justice system before a successful prosecution is gained.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Which of the following is not a fear that has been reported amongst victims and witnesses concerning participation in a prosecution and/or trial?

A) Fear of harm by the abuser
B) Fear of rejection by the family
C) Fear of being convicted themselves
D) Fear of others' reactions (e.g. carers being upset, professionals being insensitive)
E) Fear of embarrassment

Answer 2

Fear of being convicted themselves

Question 3

Common types of cognitive, developmental and socio-emotional factors that can impact on vulnerable witnesses are memory factors, language factors and _______ effects.

Answer 3

authority

Question 4

Which Act introduced a number of special measures in 1999, such as giving evidence via a live video link, removal of wigs and gowns by judges and barristers and questioning through intermediaries, to protect vulnerable witnesses during the trial process?

Question 5

The provision of information, familiarisation with the court and its procedures, and liaison between the witness, family, friends and professionals are all examples of pre-trial preparation and support activities that can help to reduce attrition in cases involving vulnerable witnesses.

Question 6

The principal aim of the live link, or closed-circuit television, in court is to remove the vulnerable witness from the intimidating and unfamiliar environment of the courtroom, and to spare the witness from facing the defendant in court.

Question 7

The Pigot Committee (1989) recommended that it was not appropriate for initial police interviews and subsequent cross-examination to be pre-recorded and used in lieu of live testimony during the trial process.

Question 8

One of the primary concerns that defence barristers have regarding pre-recorded trial evidence is that they believe that witnesses will find it easier to lie and deceive if they are not physically present in the courtroom.

Question 9

Which group of vulnerable witnesses is particularly susceptible to the effects of negative emotion, which can lead to inaccurate responses when under "tough" cross-examination?

A) Child witnesses
B) Witnesses with Down syndrome
C) Witnesses related to the suspect
D) Elderly witnesses

Question 10

Delays to the processing of cases involving vulnerable witnesses are common. What effect can this have on the witness?

A) It can affect their memory
B) It can have socio-emotional effects
C) Both of the above

Question 11

According to Plotnikoff and Woolfson's (2007a) study of the use of intermediaries, at what stage were intermediaries most commonly used?

A) The investigative phase
B) Pre-trial
C) During the trial
D) Post-trial
E) Both a and b
F) Both b and c