Pennsylvania § 5988 - Victims of sexual or physical abuse.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5988 — Victims of sexual or physical abuse., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5988. Victims of sexual or physical abuse.
(a) Release of name prohibited.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, in a prosecution involving a minor victim of sexual or physical abuse, the name of the minor victim shall not be disclosed by officers or employees of the court to the public, and any records revealing the name of the minor victim shall not be open to public inspection.
(a.1) Application of section.--The provisions of this section shall apply to a prosecution involving a minor victim regardless of the date of the commencement of the prosecution.
(a.2) Waiver.--A minor victim who is 18 years of age or older at the time of the commencement of the prosecution may waive the provisions of this section and allow the court to release the name of the minor victim. The court shall develop procedures to implement the provisions of this subsection.
(b) Penalty.--Any person who violates this section commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(July 15, 2004, P.L.736, No.87, eff. imd.; Dec. 18, 2013, P.L.1181, No.109, eff. 60 days)
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5988
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5988 cover?
Section 5988 ("Victims of sexual or physical abuse.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania § 5988?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5988" (Pennsylvania). 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 Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 5988 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.