Barristers attack the anonymity bill
July 8, 2008
Barristers have cautioned that plans to give judges the power to let anonymous evidence in court cases are perhaps ‘too broad’. The Bar Council states emergency legislation, passed unopposed by MPs, could perhaps lead to too many witnesses anonymously appearing in court.
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Sir Ken Macdonald QC, stated a large number of cases well could be at risk without it. He stated the Crown Prosecution Service had already identified 580 cases, which could be affected.
The Bill of Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) received unopposed second as well as third readings. It cleared the Commons in a single day. Lords second reading debate on the bill is due.
If the bill is passed by Parliament, it would permit judges to pass a ruling that their court can anonymously hear evidence, for protecting the safety of witnesses and/or their property and for preventing real harm to the public interest.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw stated a balance should be struck between the prevention of witness intimidation and a defendant’s right to a fair trial.
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