NCJ Number
143431
Date Published
1992
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This document summarizes legislation and case law, current through 1991, regarding the competency of child witnesses to testify in criminal proceedings.
Abstract
All statutes and rules regarding competency, excluding military and tribal law, that could apply to a child witness in a criminal proceeding are summarized. This includes general competency provisions as well as those specifically referring to child witnesses; however, statutes and rules that apply only in civil proceedings are omitted. When relevant, the annotation includes a description of court interpretations or rulings on the statute's constitutionality.