Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 38.074 – Testimony of Child in Prosecution of Offense
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Sec. 1. In this article:
(1) “Child” has the meaning assigned by § 22.011(c), Penal Code.
(2) “Support person” means any person whose presence would contribute to the welfare and well-being of a child.
Terms Used In Texas Code of Criminal Procedure 38.074
- Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
- Person: includes corporation, organization, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership, association, and any other legal entity. See Texas Government Code 311.005
- Recess: A temporary interruption of the legislative business.
- Testify: Answer questions in court.
- Testimony: Evidence presented orally by witnesses during trials or before grand juries.
Sec. 2. This article applies to the testimony of a child in any hearing or proceeding in the prosecution of any offense, other than the testimony of a child in a hearing or proceeding in a criminal case in which that child is the defendant.
Sec. 3. (a) A court shall:
(1) administer an oath to a child in a manner that allows the child to fully understand the child’s duty to tell the truth;
(2) ensure that questions asked of the child are stated in language appropriate to the child’s age;
(3) explain to the child that the child has the right to have the court notified if the child is unable to understand any question and to have a question restated in a form that the child does understand;
(4) ensure that a child testifies only at a time of day when the child is best able to understand the questions and to undergo the proceedings without being traumatized, including:
(A) limiting the duration of the child’s testimony;
(B) limiting the timing of the child’s testimony to the child’s normal school hours; or
(C) ordering a recess during the child’s testimony when necessary for the energy, comfort, or attention span of the child; and
(5) prevent intimidation or harassment of the child by any party and, for that purpose, rephrase as appropriate any question asked of the child.
(b) On the motion of any party, or a parent, managing conservator, guardian, or guardian ad litem of a child or special advocate for a child, the court shall allow the child to have a toy, blanket, or similar comforting item in the child’s possession while testifying or allow a support person to be present in close proximity to the child during the child’s testimony if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that:
(1) the child cannot reliably testify without the possession of the item or presence of the support person, as applicable; and
(2) granting the motion is not likely to prejudice the trier of fact in evaluating the child’s testimony.
(c) A support person who is present during a child’s testimony may not:
(1) obscure the child from the view of the defendant or the trier of fact;
(2) provide the child with an answer to any question asked of the child; or
(3) assist or influence the testimony of the child.
(d) The court may set any other conditions and limitations on the taking of the testimony of a child that it finds just and appropriate, considering the interests of the child, the rights of the defendant, and any other relevant factors.