Story perspectives

Victims’ Commissioner Criticizes Questioning Tone in Jury Trials

4/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Claire Waxman, the victims’ commissioner, filed a complaint about the tone of questioning at a bill committee session on jury trial changes, citing retraumatization.
Survivors reported distress and said the questioning crossed into cross-examination, and chair John Hayes was criticized for not managing the tone.
Nusrat Ghani defended MPs’ right to robust questioning but acknowledged the need for care toward victims, while Waxman urged a supportive environment in parliamentary proceedings.

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Story summary

Claire Waxman, the victims’ commissioner, filed a complaint about the tone of questioning at a bill committee session on jury trial changes, citing retraumatization.
Survivors reported distress and said the questioning crossed into cross-examination, and chair John Hayes was criticized for not managing the tone.
Nusrat Ghani defended MPs’ right to robust questioning but acknowledged the need for care toward victims, while Waxman urged a supportive environment in parliamentary proceedings.