Victims' Advocate Scheme Pilot

Until recently it was not possible for relatives of murder and manslaughter victims to speak about the effect of the death on them in court. Now the importance of the family of the victim will be recognised by giving relatives the choice, if they wish, to address the court after conviction and before sentence.

Relatives will receive assistance from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) or an independent solicitor or barrister in telling the court about the effect of the crime. A judicial protocol sets out the procedure to be followed.

In addition, relatives will be offered legal advice on personal and social matters from an independent solicitor. Guidance on the provision of personal and social legal advice (link to Guidance on the Provision of Personal & Social Legal Advice) explains what help is available.

In May 2005, the MoJ document Making a Difference: taking Forward Our Priorities set out the Department’s priorities, which included giving the victim and relatives of crimes such as murder and rape a proper voice in criminal proceedings with a right to representation and advocacy in court.

The Old Bailey
Birmingham
Cardiff
Manchester Crown Square
Winchester

The pilot began on 24th April 2006 and finished on 23rd April 2008. The CPS Victim Focus Scheme, rolled out in October 2007, delivers most of the initiatives from this pilot. However, delivery of the provision of personal and social legal help is being considered currently by the Ministry of Justice.