Vulnerable witnesses: the Court’s role in providing a level playing field

07/10/2025

Tuesday, 21 October 2025 – In person, 5-6pm

The Bar Association is delighted to welcome Judge Patricia Lees, the Honorary Recorder of Guildford Crown Court (United Kingdom). Judge Lees will present on how courts can accommodate vulnerable witnesses in serious criminal trials. Her Honour will explain the English reforms that were introduced to facilitate vulnerable witnesses having fair access to justice; the model on which recent NSW reforms are based. Her Honour will also touch on some innovations that have been introduced in other international jurisdictions. The presentation will explain how these reforms can be extended to a vulnerable accused, ensuring they have a fair trial, including an opportunity to give evidence under conditions that protect them from unfair questioning.

Her Honour is a former barrister, a highly experienced judge in England, as well as a trainer to the judiciary. Her Honour is the current course co-ordinator for the mandatory judicial training program in England & Wales.

CPD Category:

• Substantive Law, Practice and Procedure, and Evidence

• Barristers’ Skills

Please note: Only NSW barristers or members of the NSW Bar Association can register for CPDs or webinars.

To register for this CPD, please click here. This CPD will be run by registration only. Numbers are limited.

Please provide any written questions in advance to cpd@nswbar.asn.au.

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