NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

Which section of which act provides lifelong anonymity to juvenile witnesses appearing in court?

1. Section 39 of the Youth Justice Act

2. Section 45 of the Children Act 1989

3. Section 45A of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999

4. Section 38 of the Criminal Justice Act

The correct answer is: Section 45A of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999

The correct answer pertains to Section 45A of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, which is specifically designed to protect the identities of juvenile witnesses appearing in court. This section extends lifelong anonymity to these individuals, ensuring that their identities remain confidential even after the legal proceedings have concluded. By providing such anonymity, the law aims to encourage juvenile witnesses to come forward without fear of retribution or social stigma, recognizing their vulnerable position and the importance of their testimony in the judicial process. The provision allows juveniles to participate in court proceedings safely, thus promoting justice while also safeguarding their rights. The other options, while they may pertain to similar contexts of protecting individuals involved in legal proceedings, do not specifically focus on providing lifelong anonymity to juvenile witnesses in the same comprehensive manner as Section 45A does.