Opinion ID: 1296935
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Language of the Statutes

Text: In attempting to reconcile the competing interests involved in the case sub judice, we are assisted, to some extent, by the substance of West Virginia Code § 49-6-4(a) (1984) (Repl.Vol.2001), West Virginia Code § 57-2-3 (1965) (Repl.Vol.1997), and West Virginia Code § 49-7-1 (2000) (Repl.Vol. 2001). While the Appellant acknowledges the existence of certain protections contained in these statutes, he contends that such protections are inadequate to permit the full exercise of his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination and the vigorous defense of his parental rights. West Virginia Code § 49-6-4(a) addresses medical and mental examinations in the child abuse and neglect proceeding and provides as follows: (a) At any time during proceedings under this article the court may, upon its own motion or upon motion of the child or other parties, order the child or other parties to be examined by a physician, psychologist or psychiatrist, and may require testimony from such expert, subject to cross-examination and the rules of evidence: Provided, That the court shall not terminate parental or custodial rights of a party solely because the party refuses to submit to the examination, nor shall the court hold such party in contempt for refusing to submit to an examination. The physician, psychologist or psychiatrist shall be allowed to testify as to the conclusions reached from hospital, medical, psychological or laboratory records provided the same are produced at the hearing. The court by order shall provide for the payment of all such expert witnesses. If the child, parent or custodian is indigent, such witnesses shall be compensated out of the treasury of the State, upon certificate of the court wherein the case is pending. No evidence acquired as a result of any such examination of the parent or any other person having custody of the child may be used against such person in any subsequent criminal proceedings against such person. W.Va.Code § 49-6-4(a) (emphasis supplied). West Virginia Code § 57-2-3 provides additional protection, as follows: In a criminal prosecution other than for perjury or false swearing, evidence shall not be given against the accused of any statement made by him as a witness upon a legal examination. Finally, West Virginia Code § 49-7-1 provides generally for confidentiality of records concerning a child which may be accumulated by DHHR. [9]