What age does a judge take a childs opinion into account in court?
There isn’t a specific age when a child is considered as being old enough to give testimony in court. It is a matter of whether, in the opinion of the presiding judge/s, the child is mature enough. The judge/ psychologists/ social workers will probably engage in some conversation beforehand with the child to see if he comes across as mature and whether he comes across as being able to distinguish the difference between true and false, right and wrong and whether he understands the consequences of his actions. At twelve, this is likely to be the case. Of course, the possibility of the child being biased will definitely be considered by the court. However, one must remember that appearing in court and giving testimony is extremely difficult and stressful, even for an adult. Cross- examiniation means that he will be questioned inside and out and his credibility questioned and tested. Some judges will not allow children to testify for this very reason, otherwise evidence is give ‘in camera
