*/
Editors: Pamela Radcliffe, Gisli Gudjonsson CBE, Anthony Heaton-Armstrong and David Wolchover
Publisher: Oxford University Press (2016)
RRP: £59.95
ISBN: 9780199672936
Written for criminal justice professionals working in the field of sexual crime, this book is intended to supplement other authoritative text books on the subject. Its starting point is the recognition that achieving good quality witness testimony underpins the entire criminal justice process and its approach is to incorporate the spectrum of forensic issues relevant to a professional evaluation of a sexual complaint.
Rather than exploring topics sequentially, from complaint to trial, the editors have chosen to separate the law from the science with Part I covering ‘Evidential Perspectives’ and Part II ‘Investigative and Scientific Perspectives’, in an attempt to make navigation of the book easier. Topics, however, are still readily identifiable thus allowing a ‘mix and match’ method of reading if preferred. As one might expect from a book featuring a collection of essays from esteemed academics, practitioners and the judiciary, the writing style is not uniform. Some chapters are written in an informal narrative tone and others more academic in format and tone.
The first half of the book features issues such as prosecuting sexual offences, vulnerable witnesses, disclosure, abuse of process and delay, section 41, bad character, expert evidence and defence advocacy. It also deals with sexual allegations against medical professionals, the role of the family court, international case studies from Canada, New Zealand and South Australia in addition to a chapter on the subject of institutional abuse inquiries.
The second half considers the ‘ABE’ protocol, investigative practice, supporting witnesses, child testimony, forensic science, forensic medicine, clinical signs of abuse in children, medical examination and good practice. In addition there is consideration of mental disorder, three chapters dealing with the topic of memory and a section on pathological lying.
This book treats the subject of witness testimony analytically and holistically. Its content delves deep beyond the day-to-day practice of trial counsel, thus offering insight which allows a review of our approach, understanding and performance. At a time when sexual crime occupies up to a half of crown court trial days, this book is undoubtedly a welcome addition to counsel’s ‘forensic toolkit’.
Reviewer Helen Guest, 4 Breams Buildings
Written for criminal justice professionals working in the field of sexual crime, this book is intended to supplement other authoritative text books on the subject. Its starting point is the recognition that achieving good quality witness testimony underpins the entire criminal justice process and its approach is to incorporate the spectrum of forensic issues relevant to a professional evaluation of a sexual complaint.
Rather than exploring topics sequentially, from complaint to trial, the editors have chosen to separate the law from the science with Part I covering ‘Evidential Perspectives’ and Part II ‘Investigative and Scientific Perspectives’, in an attempt to make navigation of the book easier. Topics, however, are still readily identifiable thus allowing a ‘mix and match’ method of reading if preferred. As one might expect from a book featuring a collection of essays from esteemed academics, practitioners and the judiciary, the writing style is not uniform. Some chapters are written in an informal narrative tone and others more academic in format and tone.
The first half of the book features issues such as prosecuting sexual offences, vulnerable witnesses, disclosure, abuse of process and delay, section 41, bad character, expert evidence and defence advocacy. It also deals with sexual allegations against medical professionals, the role of the family court, international case studies from Canada, New Zealand and South Australia in addition to a chapter on the subject of institutional abuse inquiries.
The second half considers the ‘ABE’ protocol, investigative practice, supporting witnesses, child testimony, forensic science, forensic medicine, clinical signs of abuse in children, medical examination and good practice. In addition there is consideration of mental disorder, three chapters dealing with the topic of memory and a section on pathological lying.
This book treats the subject of witness testimony analytically and holistically. Its content delves deep beyond the day-to-day practice of trial counsel, thus offering insight which allows a review of our approach, understanding and performance. At a time when sexual crime occupies up to a half of crown court trial days, this book is undoubtedly a welcome addition to counsel’s ‘forensic toolkit’.
Reviewer Helen Guest, 4 Breams Buildings
Editors: Pamela Radcliffe, Gisli Gudjonsson CBE, Anthony Heaton-Armstrong and David Wolchover
Publisher: Oxford University Press (2016)
RRP: £59.95
ISBN: 9780199672936
Now is the time to tackle inappropriate behaviour at the Bar as well as extend our reach and collaboration with organisations and individuals at home and abroad
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Leading drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow as part of its Giving Back campaign
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Exclusive QA with Henry Dannell