Mental Health, Autism & Learning Disabilities in the Criminal Courts

Information for magistrates, district judges and court staff

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Some questions you might want to consider

  • What arrangements are in place in your court to ensure that defendants with mental health conditions, learning disabilities and other support needs are identified in advance of their first appearance in court?
  • What procedures are in place in your court if you are concerned about a defendant’s ability to understand or to participate in court proceedings?
  • Does your court have routine and timely access to liaison and diversion services? Do services include access to learning disability and speech and language expertise? 
  • How often are special measures and reasonable adjustments used for vulnerable defendants in your court? 
  • Is routine information in court available in Easy Read?

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