Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Pt. 2 Chs. 1-3 amended (1.9.2001) by 2001 c. 17, s. 57(2) (with ss. 56(2), 63(2), 78); S.I. 2001/2161, art. 2
C2Pt. 2 Ch. 1 applied (with modifications) by 1998 c. 37, s. 1I(2)(3) (as inserted (1.7.2005) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 143, 178(8); S.I. 2005/1521, art. 3(1)(s))
C3Pt. 2 Ch. 1 applied (with modifications) (20.10.2014) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 31(1)-(3), 185(1) (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2014/2590, art. 3(a)
C4Pt. 2 Ch. 1 applied (with modifications) (23.3.2015) by Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (c. 12), s. 16(1)-(3), 185(1) (with ss. 21, 33, 42, 58, 75, 93); S.I. 2015/373, art. 4(a)
C5Pt. 2 Ch. 1 applied (with modifications) (26.5.2016) by Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (c. 2), s. 33(1)(2), 63(2); S.I. 2016/553, reg. 2
C6Pt. 2 Ch. 1 applied (with modifications) (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), ss. 340(1)(2), 416(1) (with ss. 2, 398(1), 406, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2
(1)A special measures direction may provide for the witness, while giving testimony or being sworn in court, to be prevented by means of a screen or other arrangement from seeing the accused.
(2)But the screen or other arrangement must not prevent the witness from being able to see, and to be seen by—
(a)the judge or justices (or both) and the jury (if there is one);
(b)legal representatives acting in the proceedings; and
(c)any interpreter or other person appointed (in pursuance of the direction or otherwise) to assist the witness.
(3)Where two or more legal representatives are acting for a party to the proceedings, subsection (2)(b) is to be regarded as satisfied in relation to those representatives if the witness is able at all material times to see and be seen by at least one of them.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C7S. 23 applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 3, 4
Commencement Information
I1S. 23 wholly in force at 24.7.2002; Pt. II Chs. 1-4 (ss. 16-52) in force for certain purposes at Royal Assent, see s. 68(4); s. 23 in force in so far as not already in force at 24.7.2002 by S.I. 2002/1739, art. 2(a)
(1)A special measures direction may provide for the witness to give evidence by means of a live link.
[F1(1A)Such a direction may also provide for a specified person to accompany the witness while the witness is giving evidence by live link.
(1B)In determining who may accompany the witness, the court must have regard to the wishes of the witness.]
(2)Where a direction provides for the witness to give evidence by means of a live link, the witness may not give evidence in any other way without the permission of the court.
(3)The court may give permission for the purposes of subsection (2) if it appears to the court to be in the interests of justice to do so, and may do so either—
(a)on an application by a party to the proceedings, if there has been a material change of circumstances since the relevant time, or
(b)of its own motion.
(4)In subsection (3) “the relevant time” means—
(a)the time when the direction was given, or
(b)if a previous application has been made under that subsection, the time when the application (or last application) was made.
F2(5). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F2(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
F2(7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(8)In this Chapter “live link” means a live television link or other arrangement whereby a witness, while absent from the courtroom or other place where the proceedings are being held, is able to see and hear a person there and to be seen and heard by the persons specified in section 23(2)(a) to (c).
Textual Amendments
F1S. 24(1A)(1B) inserted (27.6.2011) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 102(1), 182(5) (with s. 180, Sch. 22 para. 23); S.I. 2011/1452, art. 2(a)
F2S. 24(5)-(7) repealed (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 110(1), Sch. 8 para. 385, Sch. 10; S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C8S. 24(1)-(4) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 3, 4
C9S. 24(8) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 3, 4
Commencement Information
I2S. 24 wholly in force at 24.7.2002; Pt. II Chs. 1-4 (ss. 16-52) in force for certain purposes at Royal Assent, see s. 68(4); s. 24 in force in so far as not already in force at 24.7.2002 by S.I. 2002/1739, art. 2(a)
(1)A special measures direction may provide for the exclusion from the court, during the giving of the witness’s evidence, of persons of any description specified in the direction.
(2)The persons who may be so excluded do not include—
(a)the accused,
(b)legal representatives acting in the proceedings, or
(c)any interpreter or other person appointed (in pursuance of the direction or otherwise) to assist the witness.
(3)A special measures direction providing for representatives of news gathering or reporting organisations to be so excluded shall be expressed not to apply to one named person who—
(a)is a representative of such an organisation, and
(b)has been nominated for the purpose by one or more such organisations,
unless it appears to the court that no such nomination has been made.
(4)A special measures direction may only provide for the exclusion of persons under this section where—
(a)the proceedings relate to [F3a sexual offence [F4or an offence under [F5section 1 or 2 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015] [F3an offence listed in section 17(4A)]]]; or
(b)it appears to the court that there are reasonable grounds for believing that any person other than the accused has sought, or will seek, to intimidate the witness in connection with testifying in the proceedings.
(5)Any proceedings from which persons are excluded under this section (whether or not those persons include representatives of news gathering or reporting organisations) shall nevertheless be taken to be held in public for the purposes of any privilege or exemption from liability available in respect of fair, accurate and contemporaneous reports of legal proceedings held in public.
Textual Amendments
F3Words in s. 25(4)(a) substituted (19.5.2022 for specified purposes) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), ss. 62(3), 90(6); S.I. 2022/553, regs. 1(2), 2(1)(a)
F4Words in s. 25(4)(a) inserted (6.4.2013) by The Trafficking People for Exploitation Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/554), reg. 1(b), Sch. para. 3
F5Words in s. 25(4)(a) substituted (31.7.2015) by Modern Slavery Act 2015 (c. 30), ss. 46(3), 61(1); S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(e) (with regs. 3, 6, 8)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C10S. 25(1)-(3) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 3, 4
C11S. 25(4) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 3, 4
C12S. 25(5) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 3, 4
Commencement Information
I3S. 25 wholly in force at 24.7.2002; Pt. II Chs. 1-4 (ss. 16-52) in force for certain purposes at Royal Assent, see s. 68(4); s. 25 jn force in so far as not already in force at 24.7.2002 by S.I. 2002/1739, art. 2(a)
A special measures direction may provide for the wearing of wigs or gowns to be dispensed with during the giving of the witness’s evidence.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C13S. 26 applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 3, 4
Commencement Information
I4S. 26 wholly in force at 24.7.2002; Pt. II Chs. 1-4 (ss. 16-52) in force for certain purposes at Royal Assent, see s. 68(4); s. 26 in force in so far as not already in force at 24.7.2002 by S.I. 2002/1739, art. 2(a)
(1)A special measures direction may provide for a video recording of an interview of the witness to be admitted as evidence in chief of the witness.
(2)A special measures direction may, however, not provide for a video recording, or a part of such a recording, to be admitted under this section if the court is of the opinion, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, that in the interests of justice the recording, or that part of it, should not be so admitted.
(3)In considering for the purposes of subsection (2) whether any part of a recording should not be admitted under this section, the court must consider whether any prejudice to the accused which might result from that part being so admitted is outweighed by the desirability of showing the whole, or substantially the whole, of the recorded interview.
(4)Where a special measures direction provides for a recording to be admitted under this section, the court may nevertheless subsequently direct that it is not to be so admitted if—
(a)it appears to the court that—
(i)the witness will not be available for cross-examination (whether conducted in the ordinary way or in accordance with any such direction), and
(ii)the parties to the proceedings have not agreed that there is no need for the witness to be so available; or
(b)any [F6Criminal Procedure Rules] requiring disclosure of the circumstances in which the recording was made have not been complied with to the satisfaction of the court.
(5)Where a recording is admitted under this section—
(a)the witness must be called by the party tendering it in evidence, unless—
(i)a special measures direction provides for the witness’s evidence on cross-examination to be given [F7in any recording admissible under section 28], or
(ii)the parties to the proceedings have agreed as mentioned in subsection (4)(a)(ii); and
[F8(b)the witness may not without the permission of the court give evidence in chief otherwise than by means of the recording as to any matter which, in the opinion of the court, is dealt with in the witness's recorded testimony.]
(6)Where in accordance with subsection (2) a special measures direction provides for part only of a recording to be admitted under this section, references in subsections (4) and (5) to the recording or to the witness’s recorded testimony are references to the part of the recording or testimony which is to be so admitted.
(7)The court may give permission for the purposes of subsection [F9subsection (5)(b)] if it appears to the court to be in the interests of justice to do so, and may do so either—
(a)on an application by a party to the proceedings, F10... or
(b)of its own motion.
F11(8). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(9)The court may, in giving permission for the purposes of [F12subsection (5)(b)], direct that the evidence in question is to be given by the witness by means of a live link; F13....
[F14(9A)If the court directs under subsection (9) that evidence is to be given by live link, it may also make such provision in that direction as it could make under section 24(1A) in a special measures direction.]
F15[(10)A magistrates’ court inquiring into an offence as examining justices under section 6 of the M1Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 may consider any video recording in relation to which it is proposed to apply for a special measures direction providing for it to be admitted at the trial in accordance with this section.]
(11)Nothing in this section affects the admissibility of any video recording which would be admissible apart from this section.
Textual Amendments
F6Words in s. 27(4)(b) substituted (1.9.2004) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 110(1), Sch. 8 para. 384(b); S.I. 2004/2066, art. 2(c)(xix) (with art. 3)
F7Words in s. 27(5)(a)(i) substituted (27.6.2011) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), s. 182(5), Sch. 21 para. 73 (with s. 180); S.I. 2011/1452, art. 2(g)
F8S. 27(5)(b) substituted (27.6.2011) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 103(2), 182(5) (with s. 180, Sch. 22 para. 23); S.I. 2011/1452, art. 2(a)
F9Words in s. 27(7) substituted (27.6.2011) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 103(3)(a), 182(5) (with s. 180, Sch. 22 para. 23); S.I. 2011/1452, art. 2(a)
F10Words in s. 27(7)(a) repealed (27.6.2011) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 103(3)(b), 182(5), Sch. 23 Pt. 3 (with s. 180, Sch. 22 para. 23); S.I. 2011/1452, art. 2(a)(i)
F11S. 27(8) repealed (27.6.2011) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 103(4), 182(5), Sch. 23 Pt. 3 (with s. 180, Sch. 22 para. 23); S.I. 2011/1452, art. 2(a)(i)
F12Words in s. 27(9) substituted (27.6.2011) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 103(5), 182(5) (with s. 180, Sch. 22 para. 23); S.I. 2011/1452, art. 2(a)
F13Words in s. 27(9) repealed (27.6.2011) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), s. 182(5), Sch. 23 Pt. 3 (with s. 180); S.I. 2011/1452, art. 2(i)
F14S. 27(9A) inserted (27.6.2011) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 102(2), 182(5) (with s. 180, Sch. 22 para. 23); S.I. 2011/1452, art. 2(a)
F15S. 27(10) repealed (18.6.2012 for specified purposes, 5.11.2012 for specified purposes, 28.5.2013 for specified purposes) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(3)(4), Sch. 3 para. 73(2), Sch. 37 Pt. 4; S.I. 2012/1320, art. 4(1)(c)(d)(2)(3) (with art. 5) (see S.I. 2012/2574, art. 4(2) and S.I. 2013/1103, art. 4); S.I. 2012/2574, art. 2(2)(3)(c)(d), Sch. (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (4.11.2012) by S.I. 2012/2761, art. 2) (with S.I. 2013/1103, art. 4); S.I. 2013/1103, art. 2(1)(c)(d)(2)(3) (with arts. 3, 4)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C14S. 27(1) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 3, 4
C15S. 27(2)-(9) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 3, 4
C16S. 27(11) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 3, 4
Commencement Information
I5S. 27 wholly in force at 24.7.2002; Pt. II Chs. 1-4 (ss. 16-52) in force for certain purposes at Royal Assent, see s. 68(4); s. 27 in force in so far as not already in force at 24.7.2002 by S.I. 2002/1739, art. 2(a)
Marginal Citations
(1)Where a special measures direction provides for a video recording to be admitted under section 27 as evidence in chief of the witness, the direction may also provide—
(a)for any cross-examination of the witness, and any re-examination, to be recorded by means of a video recording; and
(b)for such a recording to be admitted, so far as it relates to any such cross-examination or re-examination, as evidence of the witness under cross-examination or on re-examination, as the case may be.
(2)Such a recording must be made in the presence of such persons as [F16Criminal Procedure Rules] or the direction may provide and in the absence of the accused, but in circumstances in which—
(a)the judge or justices (or both) and legal representatives acting in the proceedings are able to see and hear the examination of the witness and to communicate with the persons in whose presence the recording is being made, and
(b)the accused is able to see and hear any such examination and to communicate with any legal representative acting for him.
(3)Where two or more legal representatives are acting for a party to the proceedings, subsection (2)(a) and (b) are to be regarded as satisfied in relation to those representatives if at all material times they are satisfied in relation to at least one of them.
(4)Where a special measures direction provides for a recording to be admitted under this section, the court may nevertheless subsequently direct that it is not to be so admitted if any requirement of subsection (2) or [F17Criminal Procedure Rules] or the direction has not been complied with to the satisfaction of the court.
(5)Where in pursuance of subsection (1) a recording has been made of any examination of the witness, the witness may not be subsequently cross-examined or re-examined in respect of any evidence given by the witness in the proceedings (whether in any recording admissible under section 27 or this section or otherwise than in such a recording) unless the court gives a further special measures direction making such provision as is mentioned in subsection (1)(a) and (b) in relation to any subsequent cross-examination, and re-examination, of the witness.
(6)The court may only give such a further direction if it appears to the court—
(a)that the proposed cross-examination is sought by a party to the proceedings as a result of that party having become aware, since the time when the original recording was made in pursuance of subsection (1), of a matter which that party could not with reasonable diligence have ascertained by then, or
(b)that for any other reason it is in the interests of justice to give the further direction.
(7)Nothing in this section shall be read as applying in relation to any cross-examination of the witness by the accused in person (in a case where the accused is to be able to conduct any such cross-examination).
Textual Amendments
F16Words in s. 28(2) substituted (1.9.2004) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 110(1), Sch. 8 para. 384(c); S.I. 2004/2066, art. 2(c)(xix) (with art. 3)
F17Words in s. 28(4) substituted (1.9.2004) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 110(1), Sch. 8 para. 384(c); S.I. 2004/2066, art. 2(c)(xix) (with art. 3)
Commencement Information
I6Pt. 2 Chs. 1-4 (ss. 16-52) in force for certain purposes at Royal Assent, see s. 68(4)
I7S. 28 in force at 30.12.2013 for specified purposes by S.I. 2013/3236, art. 2(1)
I8S. 28 in force at 2.1.2017 for specified purposes by S.I. 2016/1201, art. 2
I9S. 28 in force at 3.6.2019 for specified purposes by S.I. 2019/947, art. 2
I10S. 28 in force at 24.2.2020 for specified purposes by S.I. 2020/155, art. 2
I11S. 28 in force at 24.8.2020 for specified purposes by S.I. 2020/888, art. 2
I12S. 28 in force at 26.10.2020 for specified purposes by S.I. 2020/1159, art. 2
I13S. 28 in force at 23.11.2020 for specified purposes by S.I. 2020/1331, art. 2
I14S. 28 in force at 4.3.2021 for specified purposes by S.I. 2021/244, art. 2
I15S. 28 in force at 30.9.2021 for specified purposes by S.I. 2021/1036, art. 2
I16S. 28 in force at 31.3.2022 for specified purposes by S.I. 2022/456, art. 2
I17S. 28 in force at 4.4.2022 for specified purposes by S.I. 2022/456, art. 3
I18S. 28 in force at 11.4.2022 for specified purposes by S.I. 2022/456, art. 4
I19S. 28 in force at 12.5.2022 for specified purposes by S.I. 2022/536, art. 2
I20S. 28 in force at 8.6.2022 for specified purposes by S.I. 2022/623, arts. 1(2), 2
I21S. 28 in force at 29.6.2022 for specified purposes by S.I. 2022/713, arts. 1(2), 2
I22S. 28 in force at 11.7.2022 for specified purposes by S.I. 2022/773, arts. 1(2), 2
I23S. 28 in force at 18.7.2022 for specified purposes by S.I. 2022/773, arts. 1(2), 3
I24S. 28 in force at 9.9.2022 for specified purposes by S.I. 2022/951, art. 2
I25S. 28 in force at 26.9.2022 for specified purposes by S.I. 2022/992, art. 2
I26S. 28 in force at 1.2.2023 for specified purposes by S.I. 2023/100, art. 2
(1)A special measures direction may provide for any examination of the witness (however and wherever conducted) to be conducted through an interpreter or other person approved by the court for the purposes of this section (“an intermediary”).
(2)The function of an intermediary is to communicate—
(a)to the witness, questions put to the witness, and
(b)to any person asking such questions, the answers given by the witness in reply to them,
and to explain such questions or answers so far as necessary to enable them to be understood by the witness or person in question.
(3)Any examination of the witness in pursuance of subsection (1) must take place in the presence of such persons as [F18Criminal Procedure Rules] or the direction may provide, but in circumstances in which—
(a)the judge or justices (or both) and legal representatives acting in the proceedings are able to see and hear the examination of the witness and to communicate with the intermediary, and
(b)(except in the case of a video recorded examination) the jury (if there is one) are able to see and hear the examination of the witness.
(4)Where two or more legal representatives are acting for a party to the proceedings, subsection (3)(a) is to be regarded as satisfied in relation to those representatives if at all material times it is satisfied in relation to at least one of them.
(5)A person may not act as an intermediary in a particular case except after making a declaration, in such form as may be prescribed by [F19Criminal Procedure Rules], that he will faithfully perform his function as intermediary.
(6)Subsection (1) does not apply to an interview of the witness which is recorded by means of a video recording with a view to its admission as evidence in chief of the witness; but a special measures direction may provide for such a recording to be admitted under section 27 if the interview was conducted through an intermediary and—
(a)that person complied with subsection (5) before the interview began, and
(b)the court’s approval for the purposes of this section is given before the direction is given.
(7)Section 1 of the M2Perjury Act 1911 (perjury) shall apply in relation to a person acting as an intermediary as it applies in relation to a person lawfully sworn as an interpreter in a judicial proceeding; and for this purpose, where a person acts as an intermediary in any proceeding which is not a judicial proceeding for the purposes of that section, that proceeding shall be taken to be part of the judicial proceeding in which the witness’s evidence is given.
Textual Amendments
F18Words in s. 29(3) substituted (1.9.2004) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 110(1), Sch. 8 para. 384(d); S.I. 2004/2066, art. 2(c)(xix) (with art. 3)
F19Words in s. 29(5) substituted (1.9.2004) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 110(1), Sch. 8 para. 384(d); S.I. 2004/2066, art. 2(c)(xix) (with art. 3)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C17S. 29(1)(2) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 3, 4
C18S. 29(3)(4) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 3, 4
C19S. 29(5)-(7) applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 3, 4
Commencement Information
I27Pt. 2 Chs. 1-4 (ss. 16-52) in force for certain purposes at Royal Assent, see s. 68(4)
I28S. 29 in force at 23.2.2004 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2004/299, art. 2
Marginal Citations
A special measures direction may provide for the witness, while giving evidence (whether by testimony in court or otherwise), to be provided with such device as the court considers appropriate with a view to enabling questions or answers to be communicated to or by the witness despite any disability or disorder or other impairment which the witness has or suffers from.
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C20S. 30 applied (with modifications) (31.10.2009) by The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 (Application to Service Courts) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/2083), arts. 1, 3, 4
Commencement Information
I29S. 30 wholly in force at 24.7.2002; Pt. II Chs. 1-4 (ss. 16-52) in force for certain purposes at Royal Assent, see s. 68(4); s. 30 in force in so far as not already in force at 24.7.2002 by S.I. 2002/1739, art. 2(a)