In the trial of any criminal case, when any person under the age of 16 is testifying concerning any sexual offense, the court shall clear the courtroom of all persons except parties to the cause and their immediate families or guardians, attorneys and their secretaries, officers of the court, victim assistance coordinators, victims’ advocates, and such other victim assistance personnel as provided for by Code Section 15-18-14.2, jurors, newspaper reporters or broadcasters, and court reporters.
History. Code 1981, § 17-8-54 , enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 1190, § 1; Ga. L. 2013, p. 891, § 1/HB 480.
Editor’s notes.
Former Code Section 17-8-54, which related to writing out and reading of the charge to the jury, was redesignated as Code Section 17-8-56 by Ga. L. 1985, p. 1190, § 1.
Structure Georgia Code
Article 3 - Conduct of Proceedings
§ 17-8-51. Admissibility of Testimony of Inmates in Trials for Crime of Mutiny
§ 17-8-52. Oath to Be Administered to Witnesses
§ 17-8-53. Exclusion of Public From Courtroom When Evidence Vulgar or Obscene
§ 17-8-54. Persons in Courtroom When Person Under Age of 16 Testifies Concerning Sexual Offense
§ 17-8-55. Testimony of Child Less Than 17 Years Old Outside Physical Presence of Accused
§ 17-8-57. Expression or Intimation of Opinion by Judge as to Matters Proved or Guilt of Accused