(b) On the objection of the opposing party, the court may require the party requesting exclusion of a witness under Subsection (a) to make an offer of proof to justify the exclusion.

(c) Subsection (a) does not limit the authority of the court on its own motion to exclude a witness or other person to maintain decorum in the courtroom.

(d) In this article:

Text of subdivision effective until January 01, 2021

(1) "Close relative of a deceased victim" and "guardian of a victim" have the meanings assigned by Article 56.01.

Text of subdivision effective on January 01, 2021

(1) "Close relative of a deceased victim" and "guardian of a victim" have the meanings assigned by Article 56A.001.

(2) "Victim" means a victim of any criminal offense.

(e) At the commencement of a trial, the court shall admonish each witness who is to testify as to those persons whom the court determines the witness may talk to about the case before the trial ends and those persons whom the witness may not talk to about the case. The court may punish as contempt a witness who violates the admonishment provided by the court.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1034, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.

Amended by:

Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 469 (H.B. 4173), Sec. 2.10, eff. January 1, 2021.