Balancing accessibility and authority: towards an integrated approach to vulnerability in the criminal courts

Book synopsis: This is the second volume of this kind. The first, Addressing Vulnerability in Justice Systems, focussed on identifying vulnerability in international justice systems. This volume presents some of the challenges that exist in achieving sufficient access to justice for vulnerable people, primarily in criminal and family proceedings and provides international comparisons of best practice. This book, following on from The Advocate’s Gateway Conference in 2017, consists of a selection of papers from presentations at the conference. The primary focus is an international comparison of vulnerability in justice systems and issues surrounding access to justice for vulnerable witnesses and parties. The book presents the latest developments in a constantly developing area of law and provides details of the many different challenges which suspects, defendants, vulnerable witnesses and victims encounter in justice systems. The authors make recommendations for specific changes to policy and practice. The discussions in Access to Justice for Vulnerable People will provide academics and practitioners across a variety of disciplines an insight into topics of central importance to the fairness and efficiency of court processes. Expert contributors offer an international perspective and research-informed practical advice for lawyers, researchers, judges and policy makers