§ 30. Mr. George OsborneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to reform the criminal justice system. [47092]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe Government recognise that the criminal justice system is not working well enough on its key goals of crime reduction and justice.
To this end the forthcoming White Paper on Criminal Justice will include a wide variety of measures to increase efficiency and effectiveness across the criminal justice system. For example, these measures will include improving the workings of the jury system; and changing the rules governing the issue of disclosure.
We will also seek to improve the rules of evidence; and bring more persistent offenders to justice.
The Government will be looking closely at the possibility of reforming court culture in order to support vulnerable and intimidated witnesses. This may include the establishment of a Victims' Ombudsman.
The issue of sentencing will also be addressed to provide greater protection for the public; and include programmes designed to reduce the chance of re-offending.
The Government intend to publish full details of these proposals in legislation later in the year.