Problematic Aspects of Criminal Adjudication in Cases of Sexual Violence against Minors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60131/jlaw.2.2022.7031Keywords:
testimony of minor witnesses/victims, their rights, sexual violence.Abstract
Although sexual violence and coercion against minors are formally punishable in all modern societies, special attention is paid to the protection of minors, victim support, the rights of juvenile witnesses/victims in criminal proceedings, strict action against perpetrators and strengthening international cooperation to this end. However, combating it still poses considerable difficulties due to the latent nature of the crime and the paucity of incriminating evidence.
The article reviews positive obligations of the State with regard to the crime of the mentioned category in the context of criminal legal proceedings, significance of the testimonies of minor victims/witnesses and issues related to the assessment of testimonies, interrelation of the rights of minor victims/witnesses and right of accused/defendant to a fair trial.
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