Jack Straw: New laws focus on victims of crime and the bereaved.

(From Government News Network)

] MINISTRY OF JUSTICE 004/09 14 January 2009 Jack Straw: New laws focus on victims of crime and the bereaved

New Coroners & Justice Bill introduced to Parliament today

Modernisation of the coroners system and better protection for witnesses during criminal investigations were amongst the new measures announced by Justice Secretary Jack Straw in Parliament today when he published the Coroners and Justice Bill.

The Bill is another element of the Government's drive to deliver a fairer, more transparent and responsive criminal justice system that puts the needs of victims at its heart.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said:

"Putting the needs of victims and the witnesses of crime at the heart of the criminal justice system is essential in order that people's confidence is maintained and everyone is reassured that justice is on the side of the law-abiding majority. This Bill will make a significant contribution to our reform of the criminal justice system."

Key measures include:

* reforms to the coroner …