Opinion ID: 1242794
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: The victim in this case is the five year old stepson of appellant. Prior to trial, the State made a motion pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 16-3-1530(G) (Cum. Supp. 1988) [1] to videotape testimony of the victim outside the presence of appellant for subsequent presentation to the jury at the trial. The petition in support of this motion alleged extreme circumstances due to the extent of the molestations and the victim's special needs. Appellant opposed the motion and two hearings were held on the matter. During the course of the two hearings, the State introduced testimony of the child's mother, aunt, and Dr. Richard Kent Harding, medical director of the Comprehensive Behavioral Center at the Richland Memorial Children's Hospital and professor of pediatrics at the USC School of Medicine. All three testified concerning the child's behavior since the incident. Dr. Harding testified specifically about the traumatic impact on in-court confrontation would have on the child. After the hearings, the judge issued an order granting the State's motion, in which the judge found that: Based upon the testimony presented to me and particularly that of Dr. Harding, I find that [minor child] is a person who has a special need within the meaning of Section 16-3-1510 and that it is appropriate to videotape his testimony for use at the trial of this case. Dr. Harding testified that in his opinion there would be significant harm to the child if he were required to testify in the presence of the Defendant. I believe the testimony of Dr. Harding concerning potential harm to the child. The order set forth a specific procedure for taking the child's testimony whereby the child gave his testimony in the courtroom and was unable to see or hear appellant. Appellant was present in a room adjacent to the courtroom. While seated in the adjacent room, appellant was able to view the child on a video screen and hear the child with the aid of audio equipment as the child testified. Appellant's attorney was allowed in the courtroom, while his law partner remained with appellant to assist him and relay information to primary counsel. Headphones were made available to allow communication between appellant and both attorneys. Appellant's attorney was present during direct examination and allowed full cross-examination of the minor. At trial, the videotaped testimony was shown to the jury. Appellant challenges the use of this procedure asserting that it impermissibly violated his constitutional right to confront the witness against him. For the reasons discussed below, we affirm the conviction and sentence.