1.1 The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (YJ&CE Act) has been drawn up and is being implemented in stages as a result of papers called 'Speaking up for Justice' and 'Action for Justice'.

1.2 It brings a coherent and integrated approach to provide appropriate support and assistance for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses with proposals covering the investigation stage, pre-trial support, the trial and beyond.

1.3 The implementation of the YJ&CE Act for vulnerable witnesses has largely been based on the successful implementation of the Memorandum of Good Practice (MOGP) for children and will in fact update the MOGP and provisions for child witnesses.

1.4 Upon complete implementation of the YJ&CE Act, anticipated to be Spring 2003, the Act will provide for the following:

• Protection from cross examination by accused in certain cases Sections 34 and 35 (Implemented on 4 Sep 2000)
• Restrictions on using previous complainants sexual history Sections 41 - 43 (Implemented on 4 Dec 2000 but they are subject to challenge under the Human Rights Act in the case of R v A)
• Material to assist witnesses suffering a disability
• Video pre-trial cross examination
• Provision of equipment and locations away from Court premises for video cross examination
• Implement reporting restrictions
• Guidance on pre-trial therapy
• Various provisions for intimidated witnesses
• New Memorandum of Good Practice for child witnesses

1.5 The Government is aiming to implement the majority of the special measures in the Crown Court during 2001 / 2002 but there is no agreed date for implementation.