Criminal Code

Marginal note:Accused not to cross-examine witness under 18

• 486.3 (1) In any proceedings against an accused, the judge or justice shall, on application of the prosecutor in respect of a witness who is under the age of 18 years, or on application of such a witness, order that the accused not personally cross-examine the witness, unless the judge or justice is of the opinion that the proper administration of justice requires the accused to personally conduct the cross-examination. If such an order is made, the judge or justice shall appoint counsel to conduct the cross-examination.

• Marginal note:Accused not to cross-examine complainant  — certain offences

  (2) In any proceedings against an accused in respect of an offence under any of sections 264, 271, 272 and 273, the judge or justice shall, on application of the prosecutor in respect of a witness who is a victim, or on application of such a witness, order that the accused not personally cross-examine the witness, unless the judge or justice is of the opinion that the proper administration of justice requires the accused to personally conduct the cross-examination. If such an order is made, the judge or justice shall appoint counsel to conduct the cross-examination.

• Marginal note:Other witnesses

  (3) In any proceedings against an accused, the judge or justice may, on application of the prosecutor in respect of a witness who is not entitled to make an application under subsection (1) or (2), or on application of such a witness, order that the accused not personally cross-examine the witness if the judge or justice is of the opinion that the order would allow the giving of a full and candid account from the witness of the acts complained of or would otherwise be in the interest of the proper administration of justice. If the order is made, the judge or justice shall appoint counsel to conduct the cross-examination.

• Marginal note:Factors to be considered

  (4) In determining whether to make an order under subsection (3), the judge or justice shall consider

  • (a) the age of the witness;

  • (b) the witness’ mental or physical disabilities, if any;

  • (c) the nature of the offence;

  • (d) whether the witness needs the order for their security or to protect them from intimidation or retaliation;

  • (e) the nature of any relationship between the witness and the accused;

  • (f) society’s interest in encouraging the reporting of offences and the participation of victims and witnesses in the criminal justice process; and

  • (g) any other factor that the judge or justice considers relevant.

• Marginal note:Application

  (4.1) An application referred to in any of subsections (1) to (3) may be made during the proceedings to the presiding judge or justice or, before the proceedings begin, to the judge or justice who will preside at the proceedings or, if that judge or justice has not been determined, to any judge or justice having jurisdiction in the judicial district where the proceedings will take place.

• Marginal note:No adverse inference

  (5) No adverse inference may be drawn from the fact that counsel is, or is not, appointed under this section.