NCJ Number
139730
Date Published
1994
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video instructs Native American children in the jobs performed by tribal and Federal court personnel and answers questions about court procedures likely to be asked by child witnesses.
Abstract
This video takes a group of American Indian children into tribal and Federal courts to meet court personnel. Each of the court personnel briefly explains his/her job in the court. Personnel portrayed in the tribal court are the court reporter, the court clerk, the prosecutor, the defense attorney, and the judge. In the Federal court, the judge explains the role of the jury, the bailiff, the court clerk, and the court reporter. Following the portraits of court personnel, the video poses questions likely to be asked by child witnesses about the experience of testifying. The questions are answered by the children taking the tour of the courts. The video was developed to prepare Native American child victims and witnesses to testify in Federal and tribal courts. It is designed to alleviate common fears children may have about courtrooms and promote positive feelings among viewers. On the video jacket, instructions are provided for what to do with the children before they view the video. Questions to ask the children after they view the video are also provided on the video jacket. An instructor's guide offers suggestions for group activities and discussions related to the material in the video.