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Preparing Children for Court, page 5

More of this Feature •Part 1: Learn the Procedures •Part 2: Learn the Players •Part 3: In Advance •Part 4: To Do/Not To Do •CHAPTER I

• Prosecuting Attorney: presents the case against the abuser. In most cases where a government agency is involved, the Prosecutor also acts as that agency's attorney.
• Guardian ad litem: the child's lawyer. In most situations, all children have GALs appointed to ensure that their rights are protected. However, the quality of representation varies widely.
• Defendant/respondent: the person charged with the abuse or neglect or someone who allowed it to happen.
• Defense attorney: protects the defendant's rights.
• Judge: the person presiding over the hearings and other legal meetings. Makes the final decisions.
• Court reporter: takes down every word spoken in the courtroom so that a record of the proceedings will be available.
• Court clerk: keeps records for the court.
• Bailiff: either a deputy sheriff or civilian to help keep order in the courtroom.
• Jury: decides the verdict in a criminal case. The child should understand that the jury wants to hear what happened to them.
• Special Advocate (CASA volunteer): appointed by the court to act in the child's best interests to carry out court procedures and to resolve any problems the child is having.

© Emil Baldwin, Jr., LSW