Defence Barrister Forum

Our work is rooted in advocacy and systemic improvement to ensure justice for all those affected by sexual violence. In pursuit of genuine parity of justice, defence barristers have raised concerns that recent procedural and policy developments may increasingly favour the complainant, risking an imbalance within the trial process. These concerns are not oppositional, but arise from a deep and principled commitment to fairness, due process, and the integrity of the criminal justice system.
Justice Is Now believes it is essential to listen carefully to these perspectives and ensure they are meaningfully considered by the CPS and the wider Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector.

Our first Defence Barrister Forum will be held on 22 January in Liverpool. The outcomes of this forum will be published on our Barristers’ Forum platform for wider reflection and engagement.