EYEWITNESSESVictims of crime have been called to testify in trials, but are not given the right to express their opinion to the court or participate in hearings
Taipei Times
Date: Apr 30, 2017
By: Jason Pan / Staff reporter
The Ministry of Justice on Friday announced plans to better protect the rights of
Minister of Justice Chiu Tai-san on Friday at a news conference in Taipei announces planned amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure that would improve the rights of crime victims. Photo: CNA
victims of crime and their families, by enhancing their legal status and allowing them to participate in trial hearings, introducing a draft bill to address deficiencies in the judicial system.
As part of the ongoing judicial reform process, the changes would allow victims and their families to be represented by legal counsel and respond to court rulings, while for serious crimes, including murder, legal assistance would be provided throughout the entire legal procedure, Minister of Justice Chiu Tai-san (邱太三) said.
To arrive at these objectives, the ministry is to draft amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure (刑事訴訟法) for submission to the legislature within six months, Chiu said. [FULL STORY]
