S.B. 880: COMMITTEE SUMMARY - WITNESS UNDER 10 YEARS OLD

Senate Bill 880 (as introduced 2-12-98)

Sponsor: Senator Joel D. Gougeon

Committee: Families, Mental Health and Human Services

Date Completed: 2-18-98

CONTENT

The bill would repeal a section of the Revised Judicature Act that requires a court, when a child under the age of 10 is produced as a witness, to determine through public or private questioning whether the child has sufficient intelligence and sense of obligation to tell the truth. This section also provides that the child's testimony may be given on a promise to tell the truth instead of upon oath or affirmation, and is to be given such credit as it appears to deserve.

MCL 600.2163 - Legislative Analyst: S. Lowe

FISCAL IMPACT

The bill would have an indeterminate fiscal impact. The effect the bill could have on the number of trials and convictions is speculative.

- Fiscal Analyst: B. BowermanS9798\S880SA

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.