Oklahoma Code § 10A-1-4-506

Title 10A. Children And Juvenile Code: Taking testimony of child age 12 or under in room
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other than courtroom - Recording.
A.  This section shall apply only to a proceeding brought under
the Oklahoma Children's Code in which a child at the time of the

testimony is alleged or adjudicated to be deprived, and shall apply
only to the testimony of that child or other child witness.
B.  1.  When appropriate facilities are reasonably available,
the court shall, on the motion of a party to the proceeding, order
that the testimony of the child be taken in a room other than the
courtroom and be televised by closed-circuit equipment in the
courtroom for review by:
a. the court,
b. the finder of fact, and
c. the parties to the proceeding.
2.  Only an attorney for each party, an attorney ad litem for
the child, a guardian ad litem for the child or other person whose
presence would contribute to the welfare and well-being of the
child, and persons necessary to operate the equipment may be present
in the room with the child during the testimony of the child.
3.  Only the attorneys for the parties may question the child.
The persons operating the equipment shall be confined to an adjacent
room or behind a screen or mirror that permits them to see and hear
the child during the testimony of the child, but does not permit the
child to see or hear them.
C.  1.  The court shall, on the motion of a party to the
proceeding, order that the testimony of the child be taken outside
the courtroom and be recorded for showing in the courtroom before:
a. the court,
b. the finder of fact, and
c. the parties to the proceeding.
2.  Only those persons permitted to be present at the taking of
testimony under subsection B of this section may be present during
the taking of the child's testimony.
3.  Only the attorneys for the parties may question the child,
and the persons operating the equipment shall be confined from the
child's sight and hearing.  The court shall ensure that:
a. the recording is both visual and aural and is recorded
on film or videotape or by other electronic means,
b. the recording equipment is capable of making an
accurate recording, the operator of the equipment is
competent, and the recording is accurate and has not
been altered,
c. every voice on the recording is identified, and
d. each party to the proceeding is afforded an opportunity
to view the recording before it is shown in the
courtroom, and a copy of a written transcript
transcribed by a licensed or certified court reporter
is provided to the parties.
D.  If the testimony of a child is taken as provided by
subsection B or C of this section, the child shall not be compelled
to testify in court during the proceeding.

E.  If the testimony of a child is taken as provided in
subsection B or C of this section, the attorney for any parent
shall, on request, be permitted a recess of sufficient length to
allow the attorney to consult with his or her client prior to
conclusion of the testimony.
Added by Laws 1984, c. 111, § 2, emerg. eff. April 9, 1984.  Amended
by Laws 1995, c. 352, § 25, eff. July 1, 1995.  Renumbered from §
1148 of Title 10 by Laws 1995, c. 352, § 199, eff. July 1, 1995.
Amended by Laws 2009, c. 233, § 29, emerg. eff. May 21, 2009.
Renumbered from § 7003-4.3 of Title 10 by Laws 2009, c. 233, § 239,
emerg. eff. May 21, 2009.  Amended by Laws 2022, c. 104, § 2, eff.
Nov. 1, 2022.

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