U.S. Supreme Court,
Criminal,
Constitutional Law,
California Supreme Court
Oct. 4, 2019
Protecting victims in the courtroom is not a violation of the confrontation clause
The state has a compelling interest in encouraging victims to report their abuse so that their assailants can be prosecuted for their crimes. However, for some victims of long term sexual abuse, facing their abuser in court can trigger an overwhelming emotional response.
Kymberlee C. Stapleton
Associate
Criminal Justice Legal Foundation
Email: kym.stapleton@cjlf.org
Criminal Justice Legal Foundation is a nonprofit, public interest law organization dedicated to restoring a balance between the rights of crime victims and the criminally accused.
The trauma that is inflicted upon sexually abused children by a trusted adult is profound and life altering. Many victims experience debilitating anxiety long after the abuse ends. The state has a compelling interest in encouraging victims to report their abuse so that their assailants can be prosecuted for their crimes. However, for some victims of long term sexual abuse, facing their abuser in court can trigger an overwhelming emotional response.
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