(This note is not part of the Order)
This Order allows for evidence to be given through television link by witnesses who are outside the United Kingdom in extradition proceedings in England and Wales.
Section 32(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (“the 1988 Act”) states that, in proceedings to which subsection (1A) applies, a witness may, with the leave of the court, give evidence through a television link, if the witness is outside the United Kingdom. Subsection (1A) applies to various criminal proceedings, but these do not include extradition proceedings.
Section 29(1) of the Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 allows the Secretary of State by Order to provide for section 32(1A) of the 1988 Act to apply to any further description of criminal proceedings, or to all criminal proceedings. By this Order, the Secretary of State provides that section 32(1A) of the 1988 Act applies to extradition proceedings.
An impact assessment has not been produced for this Order as no impact on business, charities, voluntary bodies or the public sector is foreseen.