Stakeholders’ perceptions of the benefit of introducing an Australian intermediary system for vulnerable witnesses

Powell, Martine and Bowden, Phoebe and Mattison, Michelle (2015) Stakeholders’ perceptions of the benefit of introducing an Australian intermediary system for vulnerable witnesses. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology, 48 (4). pp. 498-512. ISSN 0004-8658

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Abstract

Vulnerable witnesses (e.g. children and adults with communication impairment) face many barriers to testifying and achieving justice when participating in the criminal justice system. To date, reforms have been implemented in Australia to address these, yet the barriers remain. Several other countries have implemented an intermediary scheme, whereby an independent third party assists vulnerable witnesses to understand the questions and processes encountered during interviews and trials, and helps witnesses to be understood. This study provides a qualitative analysis of stakeholders' (N = 25 professionals) perceptions regarding the potential benefits of implementing an intermediary scheme in Australia. While all participants demonstrated an open-minded attitude to new reform in this area, their perspectives did not support the introduction of an intermediary scheme at this time. Stakeholders highlighted the need for improved use and effectiveness of current measures, and expressed concern about adding further complication to the system.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2734
Subjects:
?? intermediariesintermediary schemeinvestigative interviewingspecial measuresvulnerablewitnessespathology and forensic medicine ??
ID Code:
71064
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
01 Oct 2014 10:00
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
15 Jul 2024 14:34