When could a child be asked to give evidence in a criminal court?
A child may be asked to give evidence in a criminal court if they have witnessed a crime, either as a victim or by seeing a crime perpetrated against another person. If a child or young person receives a witness summons to appear in court, they must attend as this is an order from the court. Failure to attend would be acting in contempt of court.
At what age can a child act as a witness in court?
Children of any age can give evidence in court provided that they are able to understand the questions asked of them in court and can answer in a way that can be understood by the court. There are special measures available to assist children to give evidence.
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