Standards For Determining Whether Child Witness’ Testimony May Be Presented By Alternative Method

TITLE 9 EVIDENCE CHAPTER 18 UNIFORM CHILD WITNESS TESTIMONY BY ALTERNATIVE METHODS ACT 9-1805. Standards for determining whether child witness’ testimony may be presented by alternative method. (1) In a criminal proceeding, the presiding officer may order the presentation of the testimony of a child witness by an alternative method only in the following situations: (a)  A child witness’ testimony may be taken otherwise than in an open forum in the presence and full view of the finder of fact if the presiding officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that the child would suffer serious emotional trauma that would substantially impair the child’s ability to communicate with the finder of fact if required to testify in the open forum. (b)  A child witness’ testimony may be taken other than in a face-to-face confrontation between the child and a defendant if the presiding officer finds by clear and convincing evidence that the child would suffer serious emotional trauma that would substantially impair the child’s ability to communicate with the finder of fact if required to be confronted face-to-face by the defendant. (2)  In a noncriminal proceeding, the presiding officer may order the presentation of the testimony of a child witness by an alternative method if the presiding officer finds by a preponderance of the evidence that presenting the testimony of the child by an alternative method is necessary to serve the best interests of the child or enable the child to communicate with the finder of fact. In making this finding, the presiding officer shall consider: (a)  The nature of the proceeding; (b)  The age and maturity of the child; (c)  The relationship of the child to the parties in the proceeding; (d)  The nature and degree of emotional trauma that the child may suffer in testifying; and (e)  Any other relevant factor.