Consultation Response: Preliminary Report into the Law and Procedure in Serious Sexual Offences

The Bar contributed to the public consultation on the preliminary report into the law and procedure in serious sexual offences in Northern Ireland led by Sir John Gillen in January 2019.

The Bar’s response recognises that the report draws upon a range of insights and experiences which help to inform the detailed series of 221 recommendations aimed at delivering the best approach to be adopted in relation to these cases. The recommendations include provision for early pre-recorded cross examination, public access to trials being confined to close family members of a complainant/defendant, measures introduced at the outset of trials to combat rape myths and steps to combat excessive delay in the justice system.

Read the Bar’s submission in full.