UK Government legislates to protect witness anonymity

07/07/2008

The UK Government has introduced the Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Bill�to restore a trial judge's power to grant a witness anonymity order, after the House of Lords ruled that legislation was needed to allow the practice to continue. According to the Ministry of Jutice web site, the legislation will allow courts to hear evidence anonymously where witnesses are fearful of the consequences of being identified. However it will not compromise a defendant's right to a fair trial.

The Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity Bill) will:

• Clarify the circumstances in which a witness anonymity order can be given to granted;

• Set out the procedure for courts to follow in ongoing trials which involve testimony by anonymous witnesses;

• Ensure that those convicted on the basis of anonymous evidence cannot have their conviction quashed solely on the grounds that anonymity was granted.

7 July 2008