Evidence of Children (Obstructed view and sequestered testimony, ss. 486.2)

Note: Specimen jury instructions serve as a template that trial judges must adapt to the particular circumstances of each trial, not simply read out in whole. They are not designed to be delivered "as-is." More information about the use of specimen instructions is found in the Preface and A Note to Users, which you can find here.

7.21 Evidence of Children (Obstructed view and sequestered testimony, ss. 486.2)

(ss. 486.2)

Note[1]

(Last revised March 2011)

[1] (NOW) will testify from (specify - behind a screen or outside the court room).

[2] This procedure is used simply to help young people give evidence by providing comfortable surroundings for them to do so. The fact that we are using this procedure has nothing to do with the guilt or innocence of (NOA). It is not evidence of anything.

[1] This instruction may be modified for use in cases in which the presiding judge permits a support person to be present and close to the child witness while testifying. See Code, s. 486.1.