Idaho § 19-3023 - Child summoned as witness
Full text of Idaho Idaho Statutes § 19-3023 — Child summoned as witness, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 19-3023. Child summoned as witness
(1) When a child is summoned as a witness in any hearing in any criminal matter, including any preliminary hearing, notwithstanding any other statutory provision, parents, a counselor, friend or other person having a supportive relationship with the child, or a facility dog, shall be allowed to remain in the courtroom at the witness stand with the child during the child’s testimony unless in written findings made and entered, the court finds that the defendant’s constitutional right to a fair trial will be unduly prejudiced.
(2) When a child is summoned as a witness in any hearing in a noncriminal matter that involves the abuse, neglect or abandonment of the child, including any preliminary hearing, notwithstanding any other statutory provision, a facility dog shall be allowed to remain in the courtroom at the witness stand with the child during the child’s testimony.
(3) For purposes of this section, "facility dog" means a dog that is a graduate of an assistance dog organization that is a member of assistance dogs international or a similar internationally recognized organization whose main purpose is to grant accreditation to assistance dog organizations based on standards of excellence in all areas of assistance dog acquisition, training and placement.
[19-3023, added 1983, ch. 206, sec. 1, p. 560; am. 1989, ch. 48, sec. 1, p. 60; am. 2017, ch. 176, sec. 1, p. 407.]
Source: official Idaho text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho § 19-3023
What does Idaho Statutes § 19-3023 cover?
Section 19-3023 ("Child summoned as witness") is part of the Idaho Statutes, the codified statutory law of Idaho. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Idaho § 19-3023?
A common citation format is "Idaho Statutes § 19-3023" (Idaho). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Idaho law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Idaho official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Idaho attorney.
How does Idaho § 19-3023 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Idaho can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Idaho.