The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Bill has had its first reading in the Lords.

It aims to limit the times when a defendant carrying out his own defence can cross-examine the victim in rape cases and other serious sex offences.

The measure also restricts lawyers trying to reveal to courts details of the alleged victim's previous sexual history.

Jack Straw says the bill aims to prevent reoffending

The bill introduces a new penalty for youngsters facing charges for the first time, sending them to youth offender panels.

The panels will draw up contracts for young offenders to follow, including making reparations to their victim such as apologising or carrying out community work.

The youths will also be encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and will be given advice on staying out of trouble.

Help for witnesses

Home Secretary Jack Straw said: "Our new measures for youth justice will build on recent reforms to ensure that we achieve our primary aim - to prevent reoffending.

"We also made a commitment to make it easier for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, particularly those in serious sexual cases, to give evidence in court.

"Our Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Bill sets out how we intend to achieve this."

In serious sex cases including rape, defence lawyers will only be allowed to refer to behaviour within 24 hours of the offence to support the case that the complainant consented.

But questions must concentrate on specific instances of fact and not aim to undermine the witness's character.

The bill, which applies across England and Wales, also sets out a number of measures to make it easier for people to give evidence in court if they are victims of sex attacks, under 17, disabled or likely to be intimidated.

Actions could include using screens to separate the witness and defendant, using television links or pre-recorded interviews or clearing the press and public from court.

All victims of serious sexual offences will be protected by the same rules of anonymity in the media which currently cover rape victims.