NCJ Number
121855
Date Published
1989
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This draft revision of S. 533, a bill referred to committee by the U.S. Senate of the 101st Congress, addresses the protection of crime victims and the establishment of a Federal victim's bill of rights for children.
Abstract
Title I, entitled the Federal Victim's Services and Protections Compliance Act, establishes an evaluation system for police officers that rates them on their compliance with law protecting crime victims. This system will be used to create standards to govern services to victims and witnesses in Federal cases and serve as a model for States and localities. Title II, the Federal Child Victim's Bill of Rights, would amend Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to provide child witnesses alternatives to live, incourt testimony. Such alternatives include two-way closed circuit television (CCT) testimony, one-way CCT testimony, and videotaped depositions. Other aspects of Title II pertain to evidence, testimonial aids, victim privacy/address protection, the use of multidisciplinary child abuse teams, closing the courtroom, extension of the statute of limitations, and the use of a guardian ad litem. Title II also addresses the use of a child attendant during court proceedings and provision for a speed trial. Title III mandates a criminal history background check for each Federal agency hiring employees who work with children.