New Jersey § 2a:84a-32

Full text of New Jersey New Jersey Statutes § 2a:84a-32, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 2a:84a-32.

a. (1) In prosecutions for aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, aggravated criminal

sexual contact, criminal sexual contact, human trafficking involving sexual activity, a crime involving domestic violence as defined in section 3 of P.L.1991, c. 261 ( C.2C:25-19 ), endangering the welfare of a child pursuant to N.J.S.2C:24-4 , abuse or neglect of a child pursuant to R.S.9:6-3 , or in any action alleging an abused or neglected child under P.L.1974, c. 119 ( C.9:6-8.21 et seq. ), the court may, on motion and after conducting a hearing in camera, order the taking

of the testimony of a victim or witness on closed circuit television at the trial, out of the view of the jury, defendant,

or spectators upon making findings as provided in subsection b. of this section. (2) In granting such an order, the court shall assure that: (a) the victim or witness will testify under oath; (b) the victim or witness will submit to cross-examination by the defendant's attorney;

and (c) the defendant, jury, and judge will be permitted to observe the demeanor of the

victim or witness when making testimonial statements using closed circuit television. b. An order under this section may be made only if the court determines by clear and convincing evidence that there is a substantial likelihood that the victim or witness would suffer severe emotional or mental distress if required to testify in the presence of spectators, the defendant, the jury, or all of them . The order shall be specific as to whether the victim or witness will testify outside the presence of spectators, the defendant, the jury,

or all of them and shall be based on specific findings relating to the impact of the

presence of each. c. A motion seeking closed circuit testimony under subsection a. of this section may

be filed by: (1) The victim or witness or , in the case of a victim or witness who is under the age of 18, the victim's or witness's attorney, parent or legal guardian; (2) The prosecutor; or (3) The defendant or the defendant's counsel . d. The defendant's counsel shall be present in the same room as the victim or witness at the taking of testimony on closed circuit television . The defendant and the defendant's attorney shall be able to confer privately with each other during the testimony by

a separate audio system. e. If testimony is taken on closed circuit television pursuant to the provisions of

this section, the video portion of the testimony shall not be recorded and shall not constitute

part of the record on appeal. All audio transmissions, except private conversations between the defendant and

the defendant's attorney, shall be recorded and thereafter shall be subject to the

following provisions: (1) If the victim or witness is 18 years of age or older at the time of the court

proceedings, any recording of the audio portion of the closed circuit testimony shall

constitute part of the record on appeal, unless the court orders otherwise for good

cause shown upon motion of the parties. (2) If the victim or witness is under the age of 18 at the time of the court proceedings,

any recording of the audio portion of the closed circuit testimony shall not constitute

part of the record on appeal and shall be deemed confidential and not available to

the public, unless the court orders otherwise for good cause shown upon motion of

the parties. In making the determination regarding the availability of the audio portion of the

testimony, the court shall consider potential trauma or stigma to the victim or witness. A transcript of the audio portion of the closed circuit testimony shall constitute

part of the record on appeal, subject to any personal identification safeguards contained

in section 1 of P.L.1989, c. 336 ( C.2A:82-46 ). f. For purposes of this section, “ closed circuit television ” means any closed-circuit, videoconferencing or other audio-visual electronic technology

capable of producing a simultaneous, one-way broadcast from a victim or witness to

a defendant in a separate physical location. The technology shall allow for the live observation of the victim or witness by

the defendant, jury, and judge during the course of testimony or cross-examination,

while excluding a victim or witness from directly hearing or viewing the defendant

during the proceedings .

Frequently Asked Questions About New Jersey § 2a:84a-32

What does New Jersey Statutes § 2a:84a-32 cover?

Section 2a:84a-32 is part of the New Jersey Statutes, the codified statutory law of New Jersey. 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 New Jersey § 2a:84a-32?

A common citation format is "New Jersey Statutes § 2a:84a-32" (New Jersey). 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 New Jersey law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New Jersey official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New Jersey attorney.

How does New Jersey § 2a:84a-32 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New Jersey 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 New Jersey.