Explanatory note

This Order brings into force, on 7 December 2007, provisions of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c.44) that enable courts to direct that a witness may give evidence through a live link where this is considered to be in the interests of the efficient or effective administration of justice. The provisions are only brought into force in relation to proceedings in the Crown Court for the sexual offences specified in article 3 that begin on or after 7 December 2007. A court may only direct that a live link may be used if it has been notified under section 51(4)(b) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 that suitable facilities for receiving evidence through a live link are available in the area in which it appears to the court that the proceedings will take place.