Improvements have been made through the increased use of support measures such as intermediaries and recorded testimony to facilitate the evidence of complainants. In addition, the courts have attempted to ensure that the most vulnerable defendants can participate more fully in criminal proceedings. However, confusing and complex legislation and practices are difficult to negotiate. This book sets out the issues in a practical and immediate manner aimed at assisting those involved in every aspect of criminal proceedings. The evidence of children, persons with an intellectual disability and complainants / witnesses involved in sexual or violent offences is facilitated through support measures such as video link, recorded testimony, intermediaries and screens. These measures are examined as well as recent case law and practices relating to procedural aspects affecting the most vulnerable witnesses in the criminal justice system. Whether for the practitioner, academic or non-profit organisation, this book will be of use in giving a practical overview and insight into the challenges and solutions relating to the vulnerable witnesses and defendants in Ireland today.

About the Author
Dr Miriam Delahunt is a practicing criminal barrister who received her PhD in Trinity College Dublin in 2016 in the area of support measures for child witnesses in criminal proceedings. She has acted as an intermediary for defendants and has published several articles in the area of vulnerable witnesses and defendants.


Book Information
ISBN 9781911611905
Author Miriam Delahunt
Format Hardback
Page Count 500
Imprint Clarus Press Ltd
Publisher Clarus Press Ltd