Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order—

(a) makes further provision with respect to the position of children as witnesses;

(b) lays down a procedure under which certain offences involving children (including sexual offences and offences of violence or cruelty) may be transferred direct to the jurisdiction of the Crown Court without the need for committal proceedings;

(c) makes provision for testimony from child witnesses by means of video recordings.