Best evidence guide

The Ministry of Justice has published the fourth edition of Achieving Best Evidence (ABE), which provides guidance on interviewing victims and witnesses, and guidance on using special measures. It covers the interview process for child and adult victims and witnesses during a criminal investigation, the pre-trial preparation process and the support available to witnesses in court. Interview guidance includes video-recorded interviews with vulnerable and intimidated witnesses where the recording is intended to be played as evidence-in-chief in court. ABE promotes a strong victim-centred and trauma-informed approach.