New research from the NSPCC this month shows the criminal justice system is still failing many children who fulfil this civic duty in courts across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
A child is usually the only material witness to give evidence against a defendant, especially in sexual offences cases. It's crucial their only chance to have their say in court is not marred by hours of delays, equipment breakdown and inadequate pre-trial information and support.
So much has been done over the past 10 years to improve guidance and policy. Yet in the biggest ever UK survey of child witnesses, the NSPCC will reveal that in practice many children are still being seriously let down.
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