Allows courts to protect minor witnesses from trauma by using two-way, closed-circuit equipment for their testimony.

Iowa HF602 amends the Code to allow courts to protect minor witnesses from trauma by ordering their testimony to be taken in a room other than the courtroom, using two-way, closed-circuit equipment. This equipment allows the defendant to view the testimony in the courtroom while the minor is shielded from their presence. The court must find that such measures are necessary to protect the minor from trauma. The minor will be informed that the defendant will not be present in the room but will be viewing their testimony through closed-circuit television.

Allows courts to protect minor witnesses from trauma by using two-way, closed-circuit equipment for their testimony.

Iowa HF602 amends the Code to allow courts to protect minor witnesses from trauma by ordering their testimony to be taken in a room other than the courtroom, using two-way, closed-circuit equipment. This equipment allows the defendant to view the testimony in the courtroom while the minor is shielded from their presence. The court must find that such measures are necessary to protect the minor from trauma. The minor will be informed that the defendant will not be present in the room but will be viewing their testimony through closed-circuit television.