Bringing an 8 year old in to court? is it allowed?

[balenciaga]

just that really

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/_chat/2034363-taking-an-8-year-old-into-court-firstly-can-you-and-secondly-would-you?

posted that ^^ in chat which explains more but was hoping a legal type could advise better x

In a word, no.

Seem to remember that disallowing children in public gallery of court was challenged on Human Rights grounds. Best thing is to call ahead and check.

some courts do allow this e.g. family courts in london. I have been asked to bring my (then) 10 year old son (But wrote to say I thought it a bad idea; no action was taken by the judge)

You've hit the nail on the head FarmersMarket, the judge asked you to bring the child.

If the child is allowed and their input into the matter is desirable then the court will let you know, otherwise keep them at home.

I think in london this is actually just standard process for over 10 year old as they then see the cafcass officer at the time (In theory; sometimes they are not there).
you can also suggest this to the judge at the initial hearing yourself and they may agree.
do you want to bring for baby-sitting or for them to speak?

As I understand it though the child isn't the subject of proceedings, the OP is attending the court just to support a friend.

DH (cps) said a very definitive no, unless child is giving evidence in open court.