Victims of crime will get better support from the police, courts and other criminal justice agencies as the new Victims’ Code announced by South Swindon MP and Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland comes into force. Victims will be told what to expect at every stage of the justice system including, for the first time, their automatic right to be told when a perpetrator is due to leave prison. Victims of sexual violence will be able to choose the gender of their police interviewer and there will be clearer advice on when they can have their evidence pre-recorded ahead of a trial – rather than face the stress of cross-examination in front of a packed courtroom.
New rights for crime victims
Victims of crime are to be told when an offender leaves prison as part of a new code in England and Wales. Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said the Victims’ Code offered a “simplified and stronger set of rights”. It also ensures access to extra information and support, such as enabling victims of rape to choose the gender of their police interviewer. The Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Vera Baird QC, said it represents a “positive step forward for victims”.
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Calls for assisted dying reform
One of the UK’s leading brain surgeons has said that an inquiry into assisted dying is “absolutely essential”. Henry Marsh, who has advanced prostate cancer, is backing a group of more than 50 MPs and peers who have written to Justice Secretary Robert Buckland arguing the UK’s laws on assisted dying have fallen behind the rest of the world. Presently, assisting a suicide is punishable by up to 14 years in jail.
Crucial new code will establish charter of rights for crime victims
The code is a charter of rights which dictate the minimum level of service victims can expect at every stage of the justice process
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Victims code NEW rights for victims of crime in Wirral and Merseyside are being introduced today after a review. The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime - which sets out the services and standards that must be provided to victims by the police and other criminal justice agencies - has been updated. More commonly know as the Victims Code, it is Published by the Ministry of Justice and applicable from the minute a crime is reported to the end of a trial in court. Chief Superintendent Ngaire Waine, head of criminal justice at Merseyside Police said: Supporting victims is incredibly important and we are pleased that the code now simplifies and strengthens the previous entitlements with rights that are clear, concise and easy to understand.