Chapter 5: The role of the citizen within the legal system - Witnesses and victims Flashcards
The 2 categories of what might not appear at first sight either to be volunteers, or people trying to make a difference, but both groups are vital to the operation of the justice system in the UK?
The 2 categories of a:
1. Witness to a crime
2. Victim of a crime
might not appear at first sight either to be volunteers, or people trying to make a difference, but both groups are vital to the operation of the justice system in the UK
Who is a witness to a crime vital to?
A witness to a crime is vital to the:
- Police
- Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
- Defence team of any person accused of an offence
A witness to a crime is vital to the police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the defence team of any person accused of an offence.
By giving your version of events, you are able to do what?
By giving your version of events, you are able to contribute to the process of justice
A witness to a crime is vital to the police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the defence team of any person accused of an offence.
By giving your version of events, you are able to contribute to the process of justice and by your evidence prevent a case of injustice.
What may you have to do?
You may have to:
- Appear in court
- Recount the evidence you have already given, which will be in a written format and/or recorded
As a witness to a crime, you may have to appear in court and recount the evidence you have already given, which will be in a written format and/or recorded.
What will the lawyers on both sides of the case do?
The lawyers on both sides of the case will take you through your evidence to clarify points to support the arguments they are putting forward
As a witness to a crime, you may have to appear in court and recount the evidence you have already given, which will be in a written format and/or recorded.
The lawyers on both sides of the case will take you through your evidence to clarify points to support the arguments they are putting forward.
Why is the judge there?
The judge is there to support you to ensure the questioning is not unfair
What is protected in some very serious cases?
In some very serious cases:
1. A witness’ anonymity is protected
Or,
2. They are given witness protection
It is important that if you’re a victim of a crime, that the matter is what?
It is important that if you’re a victim of a crime, that the matter is reported to the police
Once you have reported a crime to the police, you have the right to be told about what?
Once you have reported a crime to the police, you have the right to be told about the progress of the case
Once you have reported a crime to the police, you have the right to be told about the progress of the case.
What are you also notified about?
You are also notified about any:
- Arrests
- Court cases
Once you have reported a crime to the police, you have the right to be told about the progress of the case.
You are also notified about any arrests and court cases.
What should you also receive?
You should also receive:
- Information about Victim Support
- Notification about the outcome of the case
- Information about any entitlement to claim for compensation
- Support from a family liaison police officer if required
A witness to a crime is vital to the police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the defence team of any person accused of an offence.
By giving your version of events, you are able to contribute to the process of justice and by your evidence prevent a case of what?
By giving your version of events, you are able to:
- Contribute to the process of justice
- By your evidence prevent a case of injustice
It is important that if you’re a victim of a crime, that the matter is reported to the police, so what?
It is important that if you’re a victim of a crime, that the matter is reported to the police, so an investigation can be undertaken
