Sexual Assault Trials Handbook — Child sexual abuse and the criminal law

N Westera et al, “Courtroom questioning of child sexual abuse complainants: views of Australian criminal justice professionals” (2019) 7(1) Salus Journal 20.

This study interviewed judges, prosecutors, defence counsel and witness assistance officers from four Australian jurisdictions about the questioning of children in the courtroom. It found agreement among participants that current questioning guidelines are sufficient but poorly enforced by judges, that there is a need for more professional development for lawyers and judges in this area, and that judicial intervention is not always effective. See pp 27–33.