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Ministry of Justice Explores Ways to Provide Affordable Court Transcripts for Crime Victims

In a recent parliamentary session, Mike Freer MP revealed that the Ministry of Justice is actively seeking solutions to make court transcripts more accessible to victims of crime. However, immediate legislation on this matter was not addressed during the session. This revelation came to light in an adjournment debate led by Sarah Olney, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park. Olney brought attention to the alarming case of a rape victim who was charged £7,500 for a transcript of her assailant’s trial, shedding light on the financial burden victims often face in pursuit of justice.

Olney passionately argued that court transcripts should not be a luxury reserved for those with substantial financial resources. She expressed concern over victims facing bills as high as £22,000, emphasizing the importance of transcripts as a vital means for victims to understand the intricacies of their trials. The Justice Committee of the House of Commons, chaired by Bob Neill, has consistently urged the government to enhance access to court transcripts.

Justice committee chair Bob Neill, along with 40 other signatories, has penned an open letter to the justice secretary, urging amendments to the Victims and Prisoners Bill currently under consideration. The proposed changes would enable victims and bereaved families to request court transcripts without incurring any charges.

In response to these concerns, Mike Freer assured that the Ministry of Justice is actively working to make court records, including transcripts, more accessible. He highlighted ongoing efforts to publish more court records online and reassured that the issues raised by Olney are being carefully considered. Freer emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting victims throughout the criminal justice process.

Freer mentioned that the Victims Bill would establish overarching principles for the victims’ code, ensuring entitlements for victims to receive information about the criminal justice process and access to support services.

source: MPs call for free court transcripts to be made available under the Victims and Prisoners Bill | Law Gazette

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