Research project on special measures decision-making – criminal law barrister participants

Posted on11 May 2022

Dr Samantha Fairclough of Birmingham University, whose research focuses on the rules of evidence as they apply in Crown Court trials, is starting some funded research into special measures decision-making. This builds on a small empirical study she undertook in 2016.

As part of this project, she is seeking to interview practising criminal barristers to gain an insight into the factors relevant to decision-making around vulnerable witnesses (and defendants), special measures applications, and other appropriate trial adjustments. The barristers can be of mixed practice, or solely prosecute/defend. The interviews are expected to last for 45mins-1hour, and can be conducted face-to-face or via Zoom/Microsoft Teams. Samantha is keen to get these interviews underway, and so hopes to find barristers available for interview in June, July or August of this year.

Participation from practising lawyers enables our academics to conduct impactful and cutting edge research which benefits all those involved in the criminal justice process. If you think any of your members might be willing to be interviewed, please could you encourage them or their clerks to contact Samantha (s.fairclough@bham.ac.uk) to arrange a convenient time?

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