Commentary on Sections Part 1 – Criminal Proceedings Section 271K – Screens
37.Subsection (1) provides for the use of screens when a vulnerable witness is giving evidence in a criminal trial. The purpose of the screen will be to conceal the accused from the sight of the vulnerable person whilst that witness is giving evidence.
38.Subsection (2) imposes a duty on the court to ensure that the accused is able to see and hear the witness giving evidence e.g. by way of a TV monitor that relays the image of the witness to the accused.