- All victims to have free access to judges' sentencing remarks
in their case, providing clarity and closure to move forward with
their lives.
- Move is the latest measure to improve transparency and
victims' experiences in the courts, consistent with the
recommendations of the Leveson Review.
- Next step in Government's Plan for Change to provide swifter
justice while restoring faith in the system.
Announced, Monday 19 January, the change removes barriers to
justice and provides transparency for victims to help process
what has happened to them and move forward with their lives.
Victims typically have to pay £40 to access sentencing remarks -
but it can be hundreds of pounds for some.
The change not only makes justice more accessible, but puts it
firmly on the victims' terms if they are not able to attend the
sentencing hearing of their perpetrator, which the Government
recognises can be a retraumatising experience.
Accessing sentencing remarks for free is the latest measure to
boost transparency and modernise courts, consistent with the
recommendations from the Leveson Review,
standing up for victims, providing swifter justice and restoring
public confidence in the system as part of the Plan for Change.
Deputy Prime Minister, , said:
The end of a trial does not mean the end of a victims' journey –
for many, it's just the beginning.
Free access to sentencing remarks will embolden victims to look
back on their bravery and process their experience at their own
pace.
This Government will continue to deliver swifter justice for
victims, and make sure victims are confident that the justice
system works for them.
Facing a perpetrator in court can be extremely distressing for
victims, with their emotions often compounded by the finality of
sentencing.
Access to sentencing remarks – where judges explain the sentence
and the reason behind it – can provide clarity and reassurance,
allowing victims to reflect on the outcome when they are ready.
The expansion follows the success of a pilot scheme which found
free access helped victims feel a greater sense of justice,
supported their wellbeing, and increased their faith in the
justice system.
The Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales, Claire
Waxman OBE, said:
Today's announcement is a victory for the brave survivors of the
Open Justice For All campaign, and a crucial, welcome step
towards real transparency in our courts.
For too long, victims have been left in the dark about what
happened in their own cases, facing unnecessary hurdles and
unfair costs just to understand how the sentence was reached.
This barrier has compounded trauma and delayed closure for far
too many.
It is now crucial the Ministry of Justice puts in place the right
infrastructure, supporting the judiciary by shouldering the
administrative burden. We must also go further: I want open
justice for all victims - including free access to judges'
summing-up in acquittals and an extension to magistrates' courts
- so that every survivor can get the closure they deserve.
This comes on top of the landmark reforms to cut crime through
the Sentencing Bill as well as the government's strategy to
tackle violence against women and girls.
In addition, historic court reform combined with huge investment
will deliver swift and fair justice for victims. New Swift
Courts, millions invested in legal aid, and thousands more
sitting days will tackle the backlog and see justice done.
Improving transparency in the courts was also a key theme in the
landmark Lammy Review into
treatment and outcomes for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic
individuals in the criminal justice system, published in 2017.
