Commentary on Sections Part 1: Victims and Witnesses Chapter 2 - Vulnerable and Intimidated Witnesses Section 12: Examination of accused through intermediary
Section 12 allows any examination of vulnerable defendants to be conducted through an interpreter or other person approved by the court. A vulnerable defendant is a person who has not attained the age of 18 or else is over 18 but suffers from a mental disorder or otherwise has a significant impairment of intelligence and social functioning. The court can give direction allowing examination through an intermediary if the above conditions are met and it is necessary in order to ensure the accused receives a fair trial.