WITNESSES are the most important people in the criminal justice system. Without their evidence criminals could not be prosecuted.

Testifying in court always takes courage. If the witness is also the victim, they must relive their ordeal in front of their tormentor. That makes the process doubly traumatic. If the victim is a child, the pressures are greater still.

In recent years the courts have become more aware of the special needs of child witnesses. A once-sceptical judiciary now regards the testimony of a child as no less valid as that of an adult.

Efforts have also been made to make it easier for children to testify. Use of closed circuit television, allowing the child to give their evidence away from the accused, is now routine practice.

The judicial system is still learning, however. And it is more important than ever that the courts understand how to make the best use of children's testimony at the least cost to the children.

Public alarm over the threat of child abusers has peaked since the murder of Sarah Payne. In a welcome move, the Government and the Opposition have pledged to work together to draw up new measures to protect children.

The politicians are discussing the introduction of more mandatory life sentences, but any punishment can only be imposed once enough evidence has been gathered to convict an abuser. That is why children's evidence is so crucial.

Witnesses aged six and even younger have testified in North Yorkshire court cases. Now the Crown Prosecution Service is to ask them about that experience. This is a positive move. If anyone knows how the judicial system could make life easier for child witnesses, it is the children themselves.

Prosecution and defence lawyers are usually in opposition. But on this issue they should always have the same goal in mind: to make a child's day in court as painless as possible.