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UK Parliament · Bill
Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Act 2008
Summary
This Act allows courts to keep a witness's identity secret during criminal trials if there is a real risk that revealing who they are could cause them serious harm. The judge must decide if anonymity is necessary, and the defendant's right to a fair trial must still be protected.
A vote to support means
- —Supporting this Act means protecting witnesses who are in danger if their identity becomes known. It allows witnesses to give evidence in court while keeping their identity secret, which encourages people to come forward and testify against criminals without fear of being harmed or threatened.
A vote to oppose means
- —Critics worry that letting witnesses hide their identities makes it harder for defendants to properly defend themselves in court. Some also argue it could be unfair if criminals cannot see who is accusing them, or if witnesses make false claims while staying anonymous.
Cast Your Vote
People's Vote0 votes
0% Support · 00% Oppose · 0
Bill Passage
Commons
- 1st reading4 Jul 2008
- 2nd reading8 Jul 2008
- Committee stage8 Jul 2008
- Report stage8 Jul 2008
- 3rd reading8 Jul 2008
Lords
- 1st reading8 Jul 2008
- 2nd reading10 Jul 2008
- Committee stage15 Jul 2008
- Report stage15 Jul 2008
- 3rd reading15 Jul 2008
Royal Assent21 Jul 2008
Full Bill Description(click to expand)
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