Aids for Young Witnesses

Under recent changes to the Criminal Code, children and young people under the age of eighteen have greater support when they testify in court.

To help these young witnesses testify fully and candidly, a number of aids or testimonial accommodations are now available.
The following aids are available for children and youth:

• courtroom screens that protect the witness from seeing the accused but allow the accused to see the witness
• testifying from another courtroom by way of closed circuit television
• having the presence of a support person when testifying
• the appointment of another lawyer to conduct cross-examination in cases where the accused is representing himself or herself.

Crown counsel will try to contact the parents or guardians of young witnesses well before the court date to discuss any accommodations that may be needed so that application can be made to the court.

Important Reading

• Improving the Experience of Victims and Witnesses in Court
• Making it Easier for Young Victims and Witnesses to Testify

Learn More About

• Testimonial Accommodations
• Child and Youth Witnesses