Intermediaries and Communication Assistants: An inter-jurisdictional comparison between Northern Ireland/England and Wales and New Zealand

Description

The intermediary special measure was first introduced in England and Wales in 2004 to facilitate communication between individuals with communication needs and the criminal justice system. Described as ‘little short of revolutionary’ it has become an integral part of the criminal justice system and has effected a ‘culture change’ in the treatment of vulnerable witnesses and defendants. The role of the ‘communication assistant’ in New Zealand is modelled on the intermediary role and has been gaining increased attention since its first use in 2012. Although there has been relatively little research conducted into communication assistants, feedback from criminal justice professionals has been overwhelmingly supportive of their work.

How do these roles compare in terms of their provision and practice? This presentation critically examines both systems in context with a view to understanding how vulnerable court users can be better accommodated in justice settings. It engages with concepts such as ‘enabling understanding, ‘best evidence’ and ‘effective participation’ and raises some critical questions which, it is argued, should guide further research in this area.

Period	27 Jul 2023
Held at	University of Auckland, New Zealand
Degree of Recognition	International