Special measures for a child giving evidence in court?

If under the age of 17 at the time of the trial, there are special measures available to the child, these are:

• Screening from the accused while giving evidence, the witness may be prevented from seeing the accused by means of a screen or other arrangement.
• Evidence by live television link; the witness will be able to give evidence, in another room through its link.
• Evidence given in private; the court may exclude certain people from the courtroom while the child gives evidence. However, this does not include the accused, legal representatives from the case, or any interpreter required for the case.
• Removal of wigs and gowns; the court may order the removal of wigs or gowns while the child gives evidence.
• Video recorded evidence in chief; the court may allow a video recording of a previous interview with the witness to be admitted as evidence.
• Video recorded cross examination or re-examination; where video recorded evidence is allowed, the courts may also permit the cross-examination of the witness, and any re-examination to be video recorded.
• Examination of witness through intermediary; the courts can allow the examination of the witness to be conducted through an interpreter.
• Aids of communication: if the child suffers from any disability or disorder, an appropriate device to assist communication will be provided for the child to give evidence.

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