Criminal Justice & Courts Act 2015, No. 2 (as amended)

The Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 is a piece of legislation in the United Kingdom that serves several key purposes within the criminal justice system. Its primary objectives are as follows:

1. Sentencing Reform: The Act introduced reforms to sentencing in criminal cases. It aimed to ensure that the punishment fits the crime and that sentences are proportionate and just. This includes provisions for tougher sentences for certain offenses, such as knife crime and child cruelty.
2. Criminal Courts: The Act introduced changes to the structure and operation of criminal courts in England and Wales. It established new procedures for the handling of certain cases, such as the introduction of a "single justice procedure" for minor offenses.
3. Criminal Records: It introduced measures related to the disclosure of criminal records during employment checks and criminal record expungement, making it easier for individuals with certain convictions to move on with their lives.
4. Youth Offenders: The Act included provisions related to youth offenders, emphasising the rehabilitation of young offenders and reducing the use of short custodial sentences for them.
5. Contempt of Court: The Act expanded the law on contempt of court, making it easier to punish those who disrupt court proceedings or undermine the administration of justice.

The requirements and provisions of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 apply primarily to the criminal justice system in England and Wales. It affects various stakeholders, including judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement agencies, and individuals involved in criminal cases. Additionally, the Act has implications for individuals with criminal records seeking employment and those who may be subject to criminal proceedings in England and Wales. It plays a significant role in shaping the legal landscape and criminal justice procedures in the UK.

The Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 introduced significant changes to the rules governing the presentation and admissibility of evidence in criminal proceedings. Some of the key evidence-related provisions include:

1. Bad Character Evidence: The Act provides for stricter rules regarding the admissibility of a defendant's previous bad character as evidence. It generally disallows the use of a defendant's previous convictions or misconduct as evidence to show their propensity to commit the crime they are currently charged with, with some exceptions.
2. Expert Evidence: The Act sets out guidelines for the admissibility of expert evidence in court. It emphasises the importance of ensuring that expert testimony is reliable, relevant, and assists the court in reaching a fair decision. It also outlines the duties of experts to the court.
3. Youth Caution Evidence: The Act introduces provisions regarding the admissibility of evidence related to youth cautions. It limits the use of youth cautions as evidence in court, aiming to protect young offenders from the potentially harmful consequences of such disclosures.
4. Video Link Evidence: The Act enables greater use of live video links for certain witnesses to give evidence remotely, reducing the need for them to be physically present in court. This can be particularly beneficial for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses.
5. Hearsay Evidence: The Act introduces reforms to the rules governing the admissibility of hearsay evidence, making it easier to admit certain hearsay statements in certain circumstances.
6. Identification Evidence: The Act provides for measures to improve the reliability of eyewitness identification evidence. It emphasises the importance of proper procedures in obtaining and presenting such evidence.
7. Special Measures for Vulnerable Witnesses: The Act enhances provisions for special measures to support vulnerable witnesses when giving evidence, including the use of screens, video links, and other accommodations.

These evidence-related provisions of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 were implemented to ensure fair and reliable trials, protect the rights of defendants, and provide greater support for vulnerable witnesses. They represent a significant step towards modernising and improving the criminal justice process in England and Wales.