New Mexico Statutes 38-6A-5. Standards for determining whether a child witness may testify by alternative method
A. In a criminal proceeding, the presiding officer may allow a child witness to testify by an alternative method in the following situations:
Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 38-6A-5
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Presiding officer: A majority-party Senator who presides over the Senate and is charged with maintaining order and decorum, recognizing Members to speak, and interpreting the Senate's rules, practices and precedents.
- Testify: Answer questions in court.
(1) the child may testify otherwise than in an open forum in the presence and full view of the finder of fact upon a showing that the child witness may be unable to testify without suffering unreasonable and unnecessary mental or emotional harm; and
(2) the child may testify other than face-to-face with the defendant if the presiding officer makes specific findings that the child witness would be unable to testify face-to-face with the defendant without suffering unreasonable and unnecessary mental or emotional harm.
B. In a noncriminal proceeding, the presiding officer may allow a child witness to testify by an alternative method if the presiding officer finds that allowing the child to testify by an alternative method is necessary to serve the best interests of the child or enable the child to communicate with the finder of fact. In making this finding, the presiding officer shall consider:
(1) the nature of the proceeding;
(2) the age and maturity of the child;
(3) the relationship of the child to the parties in the proceeding;
(4) the nature and degree of mental or emotional harm that the child may suffer in testifying; and
(5) any other relevant factor.