Special measures

Practical help for vulnerable or intimidated witnesses to give their best evidence, such as screens, video links or pre-recorded evidence.

Special measures are arrangements that help vulnerable or intimidated witnesses give evidence in criminal courts, under the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999. Witnesses under 18, and those whose evidence may be affected by a mental disorder, learning disability or physical disability, are eligible as vulnerable. Witnesses in fear or distress about testifying can be eligible as intimidated, and complainants in sexual offence cases, and in some modern slavery and domestic abuse cases, are automatically eligible unless they decline. Measures include screens so the witness cannot see the defendant, a live video link, clearing the public gallery, removing wigs and gowns, a video-recorded interview used as evidence, pre-recorded cross-examination, and help from a registered intermediary or communication aids. The prosecution or defence applies, and the court decides which measures to allow.

Checked as at 25 September 2026. General information only, not legal advice.