Maryland v. Craig
United States Supreme Court
497 U.S. 836 (1990)
- Written by Sarah Venti, JD
Facts
Craig was charged with abusing a child who attended her child-care center. Under state law, if a judge determines that a child victim will suffer serious emotional distress, such that the child cannot reasonably communicate, by testifying in a courtroom, the child may testify via a one-way closed circuit television. The procedure allows the child witness, the prosecutor, the defense attorney and the judge to conduct the testimony in the judge’s chambers while the defendant and the jury watch the witness on the television. The witness, however, cannot see the defendant. The defendant is able to communicate with his attorney during this process and regular objections are permitted. This procedure was invoked in Craig’s case and the child witness testified against Craig via the one-way television.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (O’Connor, J.)
Dissent (Scalia, J.)
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