A bill to require the Attorney General to report to Congress regarding changes in Federal criminal law and procedures which would facilitate the participation of child witnesses in cases involving child abuse and sexual exploitation.

Summary

Requires the Attorney General, within one year, to submit a report to the Congress recommending possible changes in the Federal Rules of Evidence, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and other courtroom prosecutorial and investigative procedures which would facilitate the participation of child witnesses in cases involving child abuse and sexual exploitation. Specifies a list of considerations including: (1) the use of closed-circuit cameras, two-way mirrors, and other out-of-court statements; (2) the use of judicial discretion to circumscribe the use of harassment or confusing questions; (3) the use of videotape in investigations; (4) the possibility of streamlining investigative procedures; and (5) improved training of prosecutorial and investigative staff in the special problems of child witnesses.

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Timeline

1. 25 April 1985

   Introduced

   Read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 25 April 1985

   Introduced

   Introduced in Senate

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 29 May 1985

   Referred

   Committee on Judiciary. Referred jointly to the Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice.

   Source: Committee

4. 31 May 1985

   Committee

   Committee on Judiciary requested executive comment from Justice Department, Administrative Office of the United States Courts.

   Source: Committee

Votes

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Versions

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Documents

1 official file

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 25 April 1985

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Chuck Grassley · R · Sponsor
• Rep. Andrews, Mark [R-ND-At Large] · R · Sponsor
• · ssju00 · Standing

Related records

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