Prof Kevin Brown, School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast
This presentation is relevant to Assembly discussion regarding the forthcoming Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill and how that Bill could most effectively improve victims’ experiences and protections in Northern Ireland. It draws on a range of academic research and expertise in the area, including: (1) analysis of criminal justice legislation and policy reform in Northern Ireland that focuses on how legal frameworks influence victims’ experiences within the system and how legislation could better address vulnerability, accessibility and fairness; (2) examination of how victims experience criminal justice processes, including reporting barriers, differential treatment and procedural protections; (3) analysis of older crime victims, their experiences, victimisation and engagement with the criminal justice system, including barriers they faced due to age-related vulnerabilities and the system’s reliance on narrow or inflexible understandings of vulnerability; and, (4) study of hate crime law and policy.
Focusing on automatic consideration for special measures and protections against in-person cross-examination by unrepresented defendants, the presentation highlights the need for victim-focused reforms that both account for diverse vulnerabilities and ensure victims’ rights are protected in practice. It considers victim participation and recognition and how each could be enhanced in Northern Ireland, without compromising defendants’ rights or creating unrealistic expectations about sentencing influence. It further underscores the importance of statutory oversight, meaningful engagement mechanisms and improved data collection.
Drawing on academic work in sentencing and criminal justice outcomes, as well as practical experience of sentencing policy development in Northern Ireland, the presentation also explains how systems seek legitimacy through proportionality, transparency and fairness. Included is consideration of a statutory Commissioner – its design and implications of same, vulnerable victims’ protections and how victim-centred reforms interact with existing processes.
Date of Seminar: 6 May 2026
Policy Briefing
Presentation
Seminar video will be forthcoming