Technical Specification Versus Criminal Procedure Law

Abstract

The author of this paper is going to present specifics of an interview with children at the court during pre-trial investigation stage. Main focus is technical specifications of interview premises, technical equipment in usage for conducting pre-trial investigative actions and its impact on provisions of criminal procedures laws on peculiarities of a child interview. The author shares his observations obtained during his performance of prosecutor’s functions during interviews of children mainly victims who suffered sexual violence in the Republic of Lithuania. The interview procedure of a child is regulated in detail by criminal procedures laws, and standard operation procedures approved by the order of the General Prosecutor of the Republic of Lithuania. It creates an illusion that the rights of the child victim are protected, and no way for revictimization. Although practice proves once more that detailed and precious legal regulation of an interview procedure vulnerable group of human beings can’t stop from becoming a victim once more. Questions may arise. Why? What are the reasons stand behind it? The answer to above-mentioned questions is simple. Technical specifications of equipment in usage during an interview, location of an interview room at the court, an interview room location in the building, an acoustics of premises may create suitable conditions for revictimization.