Criminal Procedure Bill 2021

Public bill · Government · Presented

The main change is the introduction of preliminary trial hearings, where a judge can deal with key issues before a criminal trial starts so the trial can go ahead more smoothly and with fewer delays. It also lets courts give juries more helpful information to support their deliberations, and makes a set of smaller changes to criminal procedure rules, including longer notice for expert witnesses and updated rules on appeals and written evidence. Overall, it is meant to make criminal trials more efficient while protecting fairness for both sides.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to provide for preliminary trial hearings in respect of the trial of certain criminal offences; to provide for the provision of certain information to juries; to amend the Criminal Procedure Act 1967, the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and the Criminal Procedure Act 2010; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 11 September 2024