Video Links: Their Impact on Child Witness Trials (From Children, Evidence and Procedure, P 22-26, 1993, Noel K Clark and Geoffrey M Stephenson, eds. -- See NCJ-150558)

• NCJ Number: 150562
• Author(s): G Davies; E Noon
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 5 pages
• Sale Source: British Psychological Soc
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

Between 1989 and 1990, 544 applications were made to use live video links in English courts in cases involving child witnesses, and researchers studied 100 cases in which 154 children (100 girls and 54 boys) gave evidence via video link.

Abstract

Researchers talked with Crown Prosecution staff, judges, and lawyers and, when possible, interviewed the police officer or social worker accompanying the child. The average age of child witnesses was 10 years, most were over 8 years of age, and 89 percent were alleged victims rather than bystanders. In 94 percent of the cases, the charge involved sexual abuse. Of those charged, 24 percent were parents or stepparents, 54 percent were trusted adults, and 22 percent were total strangers. Children spent between 6 minutes and over 2 hours giving evidence via video link. Some children had the opportunity to visit the courtroom prior to trial, but only 21 percent actually saw the video equipment prior to their trial appearance. Reactions of court personnel, judges, and lawyers to the use of video links were generally positive. Video link techniques appeared to reduce the stress experienced by children and seemed to make it easier for children to tell their stories. Criticisms of using video link techniques concern the right of offenders to have contact with witnesses and procedural delays. 11 references