Intermediaries for Child Defendants is an essential, practical legal guide for anyone representing children in the criminal courts.
Written by leading youth justice practitioners, this guide explains when a child defendant may need an intermediary, how to secure one, and how to work effectively with intermediaries throughout criminal proceedings. It brings together the key Criminal Procedure Rules, Criminal Practice Directions, Equal Treatment Bench Book guidance, and the most important case law in one clear, practitioner‑focused resource.
Inside, you’ll find step‑by‑step guidance on:
- Identifying communication needs and vulnerability in child defendants
- Making effective, evidence‑based applications for intermediary support
- Funding intermediary assessments and reports
- Using intermediaries at trial, ground rules hearings and sentencing
- Responding to opposition and safeguarding the right to a fair trial
If you represent children in the youth court, magistrates’ court or Crown Court, this is a must‑have resource for ensuring effective participation and protecting children’s rights.
Purchase the full guide to access all chapters, case law and practical tools.