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A Missouri House committee heard testimony this week on a new bill that would offer protections to children who have to take the witness stand in court. The legislation is sponsored by Representative Bob Dixon of Springfield.
KSMU's Jennifer Moore has details.
House Bill 1611 is being referred to as the "Children's Bill of Courtroom Rights." As is stands, children who testify in court--most often in cases involving child abuse--are treated largely like adults. Children in Missouri courts often face intense grilling by defense lawyers, and can easily become intimidated, afraid, or confused by legal terms which are unfamiliar to their young vocabularies.
Representative Bob Dixon says this can amount to a very traumatic experience.
The bill's language focuses on making the courtroom more comfortable and child-friendly.
The bill would also require the court to take into account children's nap times, and would allow children to bring a stuffed animal or "comfort item" with them into court.
Many children are called to give testimony in cases where they have been abused or neglected. Southwest Missouri has the highest number of reported child abuse cases in the state.
For KSMU News, I'm Jennifer Moore
