| NCJ Number: |
152794   |
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| Title: |
Legislation Regarding the Use of Closed Circuit Television Testimony in Criminal Child Abuse Proceedings (Current through December 31, 1993) |
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| Corporate Author: |
American Prosecutors Research Institute
National Ctr for the Prosecution of Child Abuse
United States of America |
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| Date Published: |
1994 |
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| Page Count: |
37 |
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| Sponsoring Agency: |
American Prosecutors Research Institute
Alexandria, VA 22314
Office for Victims of Crime
Washington, DC 20531 |
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| Grant Number: |
93-CI-CX-K001 |
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| Sale Source: |
American Prosecutors Research Institute
National Ctr for the Prosecution of Child Abuse
99 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 510
Alexandria, VA 22314
United States of America |
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| Type: |
Legislation/Policy Description |
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| Language: |
English |
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| Country: |
United States of America |
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| Annotation: |
This document summarizes State and territorial legislation that authorizes the use of closed circuit television testimony in criminal child abuse court proceedings. |
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| Abstract: |
In 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Maryland v. Craig that the use of closed circuit television is constitutional, despite the Federal confrontation clause guaranteeing the defendant the right to meet witnesses face-to-face. The Court held that this right is not absolute and must give way in the face of public policy considerations and the necessities of the case. In this case, the public policy consideration at stake was the State's interest in the physical and psychological well-being of abused children who must testify in court. Other elements of confrontation, such as the oath, cross-examination, and observation of the witnesses' demeanor, sufficiently ensure that closed circuit television testimony is reliable and subject to rigorous adversarial testing. However, the Court specified a three-part test regarding the requisite finding of necessity for using closed circuit television. |
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| Main Term(s): |
Victims of Crime |
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| Index Term(s): |
Child abuse and neglect hearings; Child protection laws; Children in the courtroom; Closed circuit television (CCTV); Computers; Courts; Juvenile witnesses; Juveniles; State laws; US Supreme Court decisions |
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To cite this abstract, use the following link:
http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=152794 |
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