NCJ Number
214030
Journal
Judicial Officers' Bulletin Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: March 2006 Pages: 9-11
Date Published
March 2006
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the objectives and outcomes of a multidisciplinary forum conducted by the New South Wales District Court (Australia) for those involved in the pretrial and trial phases of child sexual assault trials.
Abstract
The objectives of the 2-day forum were to familiarize participants with the new legal and procedural documentation mandated for child sexual assault trials in New South Wales; to examine issues in such trials that must be addressed by the multidisciplinary agencies; to obtain views on how the pretrial and trial phases of such cases could be improved, and to expose legislators and other policymakers to suggestions for improvement from those involved in various operational areas of the criminal justice system. The forum was attended by 106 persons who represented most agencies involved in the pretrial and trial phases of child sexual assault cases. One problem area that received attention in the forum was the need for clarification about what is expected to occur at pretrial hearings, including the kind of orders that may be sought and that may be made, as well as the subject of pretrial binding orders. Other issues discussed were the listing of practices and priorities in relation to the allocation of trials, clarification of the role of support persons, training for all involved in the processing of such cases, and the need for early briefings of defense counsel and crown prosecutors on pretrial hearings and the orders that may be made. Another issue considered in the forum involved logistical and administrative issues that arise out of the conduct of such trials when there are remote witness facilities.