Mississippi § 13-1-407 - Use of child’s videotaped testimony; protective orders; destruction of videotape.

§ 13-1-407. Use of child’s videotaped testimony; protective orders; destruction of videotape.

On motion and hearing in camera and a finding based on information placed on the record which was subject to cross-examination: That there is a substantial likelihood, based on specific behavioral indicators described in Section 13-1-411 exhibited by the child, that a child who is under the age of sixteen (16) would suffer traumatic emotional or mental distress if he were required to testify in open court; or That such child is otherwise unavailable; a trial court may order the videotaping of the testimony of the victim or witness in a case in which the occurrence or non-occurrence of sexual abuse or child abuse is a material fact, which videotaped testimony is to be utilized at trial in lieu of testimony in open court. The motion may be made by: The child, or the attorney, parent, legal guardian or guardian ad litem of the child; The trial judge acting at his own discretion; or Any party to the case. The judge shall preside, or shall appoint a special master to preside, at the videotaping unless the following conditions are met: The child is represented by a guardian ad litem or counsel; The child’s representative and the counsel for each party stipulate that the requirement for the presence of the judge or special master may be waived; and The court finds, after a hearing, that the presence of a judge or special master is not necessary to protect the child. The defendant and the defendant’s counsel shall be present at the videotaping, unless the defendant has waived this right. Provided, however, that on motion of a party, or of the child’s representative and hearing in camera and a finding based on information placed on the record which was subject to cross-examination that there is a substantial likelihood, based on specific behavioral indicators exhibited by the child, as described in Section 13-1-411, that the child would suffer traumatic emotional or mental distress if he or she were required to testify in the presence of an adult who is alleged to have abused the child, or to have participated in, or concealed such abuse, the court may require that adult, including without limitation a defendant, to view the testimony from outside the presence of the child by means of a two-way mirror or another similar method that will ensure that the defendant can directly observe and hear the testimony of the child, but that the child cannot hear or see the adult. If the defendant is excluded from the room in which testimony is being taken, the defendant and the attorney for the defendant may communicate by any appropriate private electronic or telephonic method. All questioning shall be done by attorneys for the prosecution and the defense; however, upon stipulation of all parties, the court may appoint a person who is qualified as an expert and who has dealt with the child in a therapeutic setting concerning the offense to aid the court throughout proceedings conducted under this section. The motion for the taking of videotaped testimony may be made at any time with three (3) days’ written notice of the time and place of the taking of the testimony provided to all parties to the proceeding, to the child and to the child’s representative or guardian. Any videotape which is made pursuant to this section is subject to a protective order of the court for the purpose of protecting the privacy of the child. The court shall order the destruction of a videotape made pursuant to this section after five (5) years have elapsed since the entry of the judgment in the case in which the videotape was made. However, such order may be made before the expiration of five (5) years upon motion filed by the child, his attorney, parent, legal guardian or guardian ad litem after notice to the defendant. In no event shall such a videotape be destroyed before a final judgment has been rendered on an appeal. The court shall make specific findings of fact, on the record, as to the basis for its rulings under this section. All parties must be represented by counsel at any taking of any testimony under this section.