The independent Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses produced a report on improving support for victims in the criminal justice system. It proposed measures designed to speed up the justice system – including ending the right to jury trial in petty crime cases, and preventing late guilty pleas.
Source: Louise Casey (Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses), Ending the Justice Waiting Game: A plea for common sense, Ministry of Justice
Links: Report | CVW press release
Date: 2010-Nov
A report said that victims and witnesses had been marginalized in relation to the sentencing process, and that there was still a long way to go to remedy this situation. Only 16 per cent of victims felt that their views on how a crime affected them were taken into account by the court.
Source: Victims' Justice? What victims and witnesses really want from sentencing, Victim Support
Links: Report | Victim Support press release
Date: 2010-Nov