California · Penal Code

PEN §2624: (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a court may, upon the submission of a written request by the party calling the witness, order an incarcerated witness to testify in legal proceedings vi

Civil

What this law says, in plain English

This statute allows courts to order incarcerated witnesses to testify remotely via two-way video in legal proceedings, with specific consent requirements in criminal trials and protections against coercion.

Read the full statutory text
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a court may, upon the submission of a written request by the party calling the witness, order an incarcerated witness to testify in legal proceedings via two-way electronic audiovisual communication. (b) As used in this section, “legal proceedings” includes preliminary hearings, civil trials, and criminal trials. (c) With reference to criminal trials only, the procedure described in this section shall only be used with the consent of both parties expressed in open court, and, in consultation with the defendant’s counsel, upon a waiver by the defendant of his or her right to compel the physical presence of the witness, pursuant to the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Section 15 of Article I of the California Constitution. This waiver may be rescinded by the defendant upon a showing of good cause. (d) No inducement shall be offered nor any penalty imposed in connection with a defendant’s consent to allow a witness to testify via closed-circuit television.

Verify at the official source: California legislative text

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This page is legal information, not legal advice. Code text is sourced from official publications and may lag amendments — always confirm at the official source linked above. Plain-English summaries and relationship data are AI-derived and reviewed on an ongoing basis; verify with a licensed attorney before acting.