Dealing with Vulnerable Witnesses - A Guide for Criminal Lawyers

Introduction

At some stage in your career you will have to deal with a ‘vulnerable witness‘.

A witness can be vulnerable for a number of reasons be it PTSD, ADHD, Asperger's syndrome, learning disabilities, speech or hearing impediment, age or immaturity to name but a few.

This webinar will give you an insight into the law and how to deal with and question a vulnerable witness.

What You Will Learn

This webinar will cover the following:

• Every case is unique
• What is a ground rules hearing and how do you prepare for it?
• How to conduct the questioning with a degree of rapport and ensure it is at the right pace
• Identify the key issues in the case and prepare a chronology
• How to signpost your questions
• Avoiding how or why questions
• Avoiding tag or directive questions
• Avoiding statements described as questions
• Identifying the behaviour of the witness so as to avoid distress
• Directing you to source advocacy materials that will assist
• Exploring the law post R v Lubemba

This webinar was recorded on 11th October 2019