EVIDENCE ACT 1977 - SECT 21AW Instructions to be given to jury

EVIDENCE ACT 1977 - SECT 21AW

21AW Instructions to be given to jury

(1) This section applies to a proceeding on indictment if any of the following measures is taken—

(a) an affected child’s evidence is taken in a way provided for under subdivision 3 or 4 ;

(b) a person is excluded under section 21AU while an affected child gives evidence or the evidence of an affected child is presented;

(c) an affected child has a support person under section 21AV while the child gives evidence.

(2) The judicial officer presiding at the proceeding must instruct the jury that—

(a) the measure is a routine practice of the court and that they should not draw any inference as to the defendant’s guilt from it; and

(b) the probative value of the evidence is not increased or decreased because of the measure; and

(c) the evidence is not to be given any greater or lesser weight because of the measure.