"A Full and Candid Account" Using Special Accommodations and Testimonial Aids to Facilitate the Testimony of Children Witness Screens Alison Cunningham & Pamela Hurley (2007)

This resource is the third in a series of seven handbooks called "A Full and Candid Account". A witness screen is a device positioned to shield a testifying child from seeing the accused in the courtroom. The most common device is the one-way screen, as illustrated on this handbook's cover. The witness sees only the screen itself. Less commonly, we find other screening arrangements and courtroom configurations using physical barriers to block the child's view of the accused. This arrangement for the courtroom designed with children in mind is also described here. Topics also covered are what children like about screens, what children don't like about screens, good practice guidance for using witness screens, tips for working with developmentally delayed witnesses and those who have attention limitations.

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Witness Screens (551 KB)

Table of Contents

• Nina, age 12
• Introduction to Witness Screens
• Why Use a Witness Screen?
• Diagrams of Four Possible Configurations
• Criminal Code Section 486.2
• Bill C-2: What’s the Same? What's Changed?
• Basic Facts About Using Witness Screens
• FAQs About Witness Screens
• What Children Like About Screens
• What Children Don't Like About Screens
• Good Practice Guidance for Using Witness Screens
• Optimal Courtroom Configuration Designed with Children in Mind
• Tips for Working with Developmentally Delayed Witnesses
• Tips for Working with Child Witnesses who have Attention Limitations
• About the Handbook Series

En français

Disponible également en français sous le titre « Un récit complet et franc » / Recours à des arrangements spéciaux et aux aides au témoignage pour faciliter le témoignage des enfants.

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