FIRST REGULAR SESSION
94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE DIXON.
Read 1st time March 27, 2007 and copies ordered printed.
D. ADAM CRUMBLISS, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To amend chapter 491, RSMo, by adding thereto one new section relating to a children's bill of courtroom rights.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Chapter 491, RSMo, is amended by adding thereto one new section, to be known as section 491.725, to read as follows:
491.725. In order to protect children from confusing, even abusive practices while testifying in court, and in order to facilitate testimony that is fair and accurate, the following children's bill of courtroom rights shall apply to all children testifying in court:
(1) A child testifying in court has the right to understand the oath which is being administered to such child. Whether a competency hearing or a trial itself, any oath that is required of a child shall be administered in a developmentally appropriate manner;
(2) A child testifying in court has the right to understand all the questions asked of such child. Accordingly, judges and attorneys shall question children in a developmentally and linguistically appropriate manner;
(3) A child has a right to testify at a time of day when such child is best able to understand the questions and otherwise handle the stresses of testifying. Accordingly, courts shall take into consideration nap time, medications, and other factors that influence a child's ability to testify;
(4) A child has a right to a comfort item when testifying;
(5) A child has a right to the presence of a support person when testifying. The location of the support person shall be dictated by the needs of the child;
(6) A child has a right to be questioned in a manner that is neither intimidating nor frightening. Accordingly, counsel shall not raise their voices when questioning a child or presenting argument or otherwise engage in conduct that a child may interpret as an angry confrontation; and
(7) A child has a right to be comfortable when testifying. Accordingly, the courtroom shall be adjusted to meet the child's needs, such as providing a pillow for a small child so the child can see over the witness box, providing a foot stool to prevent the child's feet from dangling in the air, or any other reasonable accommodation to make the child feel comfortable.
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