Part III U.K. Protection of Children and Young Persons in relation to Criminal and Summary Proceedings

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Pt. III amended by Local Authority Social Services Act 1970 (c. 42), s. 2(1), Sch. 1 and (1.4.1981) by Child Care Act 1980 (c. 5), ss. 78(1)(2)(b), 79(1)(4)(5)(b). (Child Care Act 1980 (c.5) repealed (14.10.1991) with saving by Children Act 1989 (c. 41, SIF 20), s. 108(6)(7), Sch. 14 paras. 21, 27(4), Sch. 15; S.I. 1991/828, art. 3(2)

General Provisions as to Proceedings in Court E+W

37 Power to clear court while child or young person is giving evidence in certain cases. E+W

(1) Where, in any proceedings in relation to an offence against, or any conduct contrary to, decency or morality, a person who, in the opinion of the court, is a child or young person is called as a witness, the court may direct that all or any persons, not being members or officers of the court or parties to the case, their [F1 legal representatives], or persons otherwise directly concerned in the case, be excluded from the court during the taking of the evidence of that witness:

Provided that nothing in this section shall authorise the exclusion of bonâ fide representatives of a newspaper or news agency.

(2) The powers conferred on a court by this section shall be in addition and without prejudice to any other powers of the court to hear proceedings in camerâ.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in s. 37(1) substituted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 211, Sch. 21 para. 16 (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h) (with art. 9)