Dr John Taggart, School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast
Relevant to the forthcoming Victims and Witnesses of Crime Bill, this presentation addresses many key ideas outlined in the Bill’s consultation, such as pre-trial independent legal representation. It explains how many aspects of the Bill – and indeed victim and witness engagement with the criminal justice system more broadly – depend on effective and meaningful participation. Drawing on research and expertise concerning the use of “intermediaries” in criminal justice systems internationally and in Northern Ireland (including designing and delivering intermediary training in Northern Ireland), it explains how communication support roles produce “better evidence” for courts and tribunals and how Northern Ireland provides one of the broadest ranges of communication assistance to vulnerable individuals who give evidence in justice procedures.
Highlighting the “intermediary” under current legislation in Northern Ireland – a special measure that is central to ensuring assistance during criminal proceedings, especially for vulnerable victims and witnesses due to age, intellectual disability or learning disability – the presentation explains how intermediaries facilitate communication between victims, witnesses and criminal justice professionals. For example, the intermediaries both assess an individual’s communication needs and provide practical guidance to police, lawyers and judges on how to effectively communicate with vulnerable individuals, while seeking to ensure the “best evidence” is produced in a way that accommodates individual needs.
The presentation further explains how Northern Ireland’s unique “unitary” intermediary model could further integrate the intermediary into procedures and improve victims’ access to justice. It sets out a road map on how to do so, which could enable Northern Ireland to become an international leader in this area, if adopted.
Date of Seminar: 6 May 2026
Policy Briefing
Presentation
Seminar video will be forthcoming