"Witnesses, Experts and Victims"

The search for the truth is essential for every prosecutor but to find the truth is often very difficult. It can be especially difficult when dealing with "human evidence".

Witnesses often play a crucial role in criminal proceedings but is their evidence reliable? Can the reliability be affected by the witness´ background or does the witness have hidden motives that may affect his/her attitude towards the case?

Witnesses can be threatened and may need protection. Witnesses can be deeply involved in criminal activities themselves. Plea bargaining and reliability are closely linked. Repentant witnesses - pentiti - cause new problems.

Another important issue is victims as witnesses. Can a victim play an active part in the proceedings and still be a witness? How can we deal with juvenile witnesses/victims? Is video testimony the right solution?

In very serious cases anonymous witnesses may also be considered. How is it possible in practice to hear such a witness and at the same time counterbalance procedures for the defence?

We all face the same kind of problems but we have nevertheless developed different solutions to these problems as our legal systems are based on different cultural and historical backgrounds.

In our modern society, in which crime knows no borders, prosecution services need to work together despite their different legal systems.

The 10th IAP Annual Conference and General Meeting will provide participants with an excellent opportunity to exchange views on this practical - and very important - topic in order to find new ways to better co-operate and to share best practice.