This chapter address the following areas, each of which involve taking evidence from witnesses in certain circumstances:
Alternative Arrangements. These are procedures designed to reduce the stress of giving evidence on particular witnesses in certain types of proceedings (Criminal Procedure Act 2009 Division 4, Part 8.2);
Protected Witnesses. These are procedures designed to prevent the accused from personally cross-examining certain witnesses (Criminal Procedure Act 2009 Division 3, Part 8.2);
Pre-recorded Evidence. These are procedures which allow evidence that has been pre-recorded to be used in certain legal proceedings (Criminal Procedure Act 2009 Divisions 5 and 6, Part 8.2).
When interpreting and applying these procedures, the court must have regard to the guiding principles outlined in Criminal Procedure Act 2009 s338.