§ 16-43-1202 - Safeguards for child victims testifying in judicial and administrative proceedings. - Arkansas Statutes

16-43-1202. Safeguards for child victims testifying in judicial and administrative proceedings.

In order to facilitate testimony that is fair and accurate, the following safeguards should be followed:

(1) The prosecuting attorney, victim-witness coordinator, attorney ad litem, or Office of the Chief Counsel attorney shall inform the child about the nature of the judicial proceeding or administrative proceeding;

(2) The prosecuting attorney, victim-witness coordinator, attorney ad litem, or Office of Chief Counsel attorney shall explain:

(A) The oath that will be administered to the child; and

(B) That the judge will determine whether the child is competent to testify;

(3) The prosecuting attorney, victim-witness coordinator, attorney ad litem, or Office of Chief Counsel attorney shall explain to the child that if the child does not understand a question while testifying in the judicial proceeding or administrative proceeding, the child has a right to say that he or she does not understand the question;

(4) The prosecuting attorney, attorney ad litem, or Office of Chief Counsel attorney may file a motion to have the child testify at a time of day when the child is most alert and best able to understand questions posed in court;

(5) If it is in the child's best interests, the prosecuting attorney, attorney ad litem, or Office of Chief Counsel attorney may file a motion for the child to have a comfort item when testifying in a judicial or administrative proceeding;

(6) If it is in the child's best interests, the prosecuting attorney, attorney ad litem, or Office of Chief Counsel attorney may file a motion for the child to have a support person present when the child testifies in a judicial proceeding or an administrative proceeding; and

(7) The prosecuting attorney, attorney ad litem, or Office of Chief Counsel attorney shall consider the effect upon the child when the child is subjected to argumentative or harassing questions and shall make the proper objections when appropriate to ensure that the child is not subjected to argumentative or harassing questioning.