Government Social Research
The Research Unit in MOJ has started work on a new cross-cutting and strategic programme of work about the Court Experiences of Vulnerable People (CEVP). It’s aim is to provide evidence to inform key MOJ priorities of improving the experiences of victims and witnesses and providing access to justice for all.
The CEVP programme is an extension of the Department for Constitutional Affairs Courts and Diversity (CAD) Programme established by Lord Irvine in 1999 following the death of Stephen Lawrence. CAD was set up to examine whether, and to what extent, the court system deals fairly and justly with the needs of a diverse and multicultural society.
CEVP extends this focus to consider other aspects of ‘vulnerability’ based on population groups recognised as being ‘at-risk’ of marked disadvantage or social exclusion. Key questions will include whether there is evidence of discrimination for certain vulnerable groups, how people perceive they are treated in courts and what makes a good court experience.
Following initial scoping work three groups have been identified for further investigation and will be addressed as follows:
The Research Unit is currently starting to scope project two on individuals with language and/or communication difficulties (to take place March/April 2008). This is a very broad area and so has been refined to cover problems related to English as an Additional Language (EAL) i.e. those needing translators, or those who are deaf and need sign language services. It will not cover individuals with learning difficulties who are covered in project one. If you know of any work conducted in this or a similar area please get in touch and let us know.
For further information about either the programme or any of the projects, or to discuss how you might be involved, please get in touch with Laura Blakeborough, Senior Research Officer in the Research Unit.