For cases that go to trial, plea and directions hearings should address potential problems that individual defendants might have in engaging with trial proceedings and help to inform the use of ‘special measures’ and ‘reasonable adjustments’. Such arrangements should be made in advance of the trial. New Criminal Procedure Rules 3.8(4) (b), effective 1 April 2013, requires the court, in preparation for the trial, to take ‘every reasonable step’ to facilitate the participation of any person, including the defendant. (See Section 9: Supporting vulnerable defendants in court).

The aims of pre-trial directions are threefold:

• to identify difficulties that are likely to arise in court hearings and procedures
• to clarify the individual’s needs
• to arrive at a proportionate response.