England & Wales · 1999
Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999
Protects: Vulnerable and intimidated witnesses in criminal proceedings — includes all DA complainants.
Information only. This is not legal advice. Court procedures and the law change. Always confirm with a solicitor, Citizens Advice, or a domestic abuse advocate before acting.
Summary
Provides special measures (screens, live link, video-recorded evidence-in-chief, removal of wigs, intermediaries). DA complainants are automatically eligible under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
Key provisions
s.17 — Intimidated witness
Eligibility for special measures including all complainants in DA cases.
s.27 — Video-recorded evidence
Video interview admissible as evidence-in-chief.
s.41 — Sexual history evidence restrictions
Limits when previous sexual behaviour can be raised.
What this Act affects
The specific protective court orders and decision points this Act creates or feeds — with the exact statutory section.
Special measures in criminal court
ss.17, 19, 23–30Decision point: screens, live link, video-recorded EIC, intermediaries. DA complainants automatically eligible via s.63 DAA 2021.
Sexual history restrictions
s.41Decision point: limits when previous sexual behaviour can be raised — protects complainant at trial.