NCJ Number
157872
Date Published
1995
Length
32 pages
Annotation
Virginia has attempted to reduce the trauma experienced by child victims when they must testify in court; for example, a 1988 amendment to the Code of Virginia allows child victims in criminal proceedings to testify from a room outside the court via two-way closed circuit television.
Abstract
The Code of Virginia permits closed circuit television in cases involving certain criminal offenses and when a victim is 12 years of age or younger. Additionally, in civil proceedings involving alleged abuse or neglect of a child 12 years of age or younger, a child's testimony can be taken via closed circuit television. The technology allows the child's testimony to be transmitted "live" to the courtroom where it can be seen and heard by the judge, jury, defendant, and others. At the same time, courtroom proceedings are transmitted to the room where the child is so that the child and his or her attorneys can see and hear the proceedings. Information is provided on procedural, technical, and witness preparation for child testimony via closed circuit television. Supplemental information on the use of closed circuit television in juvenile cases is contained in six appendixes. 1 figure