NCJ Number
115730
Date Published
1986
Length
30 pages
Annotation
The videotaping of interviews and testimony by children for clinical, legal, and investigatory purposes has both advantages and disadvantages and should be considered only in full awareness of the issues and problems involved.
Abstract
A common reason for videotaping children's testimony is to reduce the trauma that child victims would otherwise experience during multiple interviews by professionals. Videotapes are being increasingly used as a means of supporting the prosecution of child sexual assault cases or juvenile court actions to protect dependent children. Clinical, legal, and legislative discussions are currently focusing on the legality, admissibility, and use of tapes as evidence in legal actions. Courtroom uses being explored include corroboration of expert testimony, corroboration of motions for special courtroom precautions, impeachment of child witnesses who retract their disclosures, and handling postadjudication issues. Some States are also now allowing children to testify via closed-circuit television and are videotaping preliminary hearings. Planning for videotaping should focus on the setting, the equipment, and the role of the camera operator. The legal and ethical issues of informed consent, confidentiality, and the use of tapes by attorneys also need consideration. Further experience will be needed before many of these issues can be resolved.