Cabinet approves amendments to protect victims and children in court proceedings
By Aaron Humes: Cabinet has approved amendments to the Criminal Code and the Alternative Sentencing Act aimed at strengthening protections for victims of sexual offences and improving the court process for cases involving children. The proposed changes to the Criminal Code would require that proceedings relating to sexual offences and cases involving the testimony of […] The post Cabinet approves amendments to protect victims and children in court proceedings appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Black News 
By Aaron Humes: Cabinet has approved amendments to the Criminal Code and the Alternative Sentencing Act aimed at strengthening protections for victims of sexual offences and improving the court process for cases involving children.
The proposed changes to the Criminal Code would require that proceedings relating to sexual offences and cases involving the testimony of children be conducted in camera, that is, without witnesses apart from court officials.
According to Cabinet, the measure is being introduced because the public nature of court proceedings can expose victims, particularly children, to further trauma, intimidation, and social stigma.
Cabinet also approved legislation to amend the Alternative Sentencing Act. The amendments are intended to broaden and clarify the Act’s scope, and to improve its coherence and effectiveness.
The bills will now be presented to the National Assembly for consideration.
The post Cabinet approves amendments to protect victims and children in court proceedings appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
