Bereaved families could have their say in court
Families of murder victims could be allowed to stand before a court and speak of their grief, the government has revealed.
Under the plans, launched for consultation today, bereaved relatives would be able to address the court after a conviction but prior to sentencing.
The proposals, which would also apply to families of manslaughter victims, are designed to include relatives within the court process, and provide judges with a better understanding of the impact of the crime upon the family.
Family members would be allowed to address the court directly, through their lawyer or other representative designated as a victim’s advocate.
Presently, relatives are only allowed to comment through a victim impact statement read at the end of the trial.
Constitutional affairs minister Harriet Harman said: “Bereaved relatives sometimes feel they are completely excluded from the system. It seems ironic to me that the people for whom the case matters most are silent in court.
“We must ensure the court hears not just from the defendant, but also from the victim’s family.”
Ms Harman said the government recognised that it was a “big change” for the way courts worked and was therefore launching a three-month consultation.
It is looking to pilot the victims’ advocates scheme in up to five areas in England and Wales.
Victim Support has expressed reservations about the proposals. It is concerned that it could lead bereaved relatives to believe they have a greater say in the outcome of the proceedings than is actually the case.
Chief executive Dame Helen Reeves told BBC Breakfast the charity “would be very worried about that” and would be examining it during the consultation period.
But the move has been welcomed by police chiefs. Assistant chief constable of Essex Police John Broughton, who speaks for the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) on victim and witness issues, said: “Acpo is committed to putting the needs of victims at the heart of the criminal justice system.
“We welcome the government’s commitment to ensuring that in cases of murder and manslaughter, bereaved families will have an opportunity to tell the court what effect the death has had on them, either personally or through a victim’s advocate.”
