CHILDREN AND COURTS

use of CCTV (closed circuit television) – this allows witnesses to give evidence and be cross-examined from outside the courtroom use of pre-recorded evidence for child witnesses – although this measure is well-supported by child witnesses and their parents, there have been several cases where pre-recorded evidence has formed the basis for an appeal restrictions on requiring children to give evidence at committal hearings in sexual abuse cases – the Victorian Law Reform Commission found this restriction has not had much impact in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, with many requests to cross-examine witnesses at committal hearings being successful improving interview techniques and child witness statements – includes preparing children for crossexamination, and increased training for investigative interviewers, lawyers and judiciary. Based on transcripts of police interviews, it appears that guidelines on investigative interviewing of child witnesses are not often used by interviewers; specific questions are more often used, rather than allowing a child to tell their story in their own words new offence categories – legislation regarding persistent sexual abuse has been narrowly interpreted by the judiciary.