Courtroom Dogs
In 2021 The American Bar Association House of Delegates approved Resolution 101A which would allow specially trained canines to accompany anxious or traumatized individuals when testifying in court. I would argue this service could also be useful in trial preparation for the same individuals. For further details, I would refer you to the ABA publication available at the following link:
Courtroom dog duties could include:
- Providing comfort to children present in child advocacy centers during investigations of child sexual abuse
- Accompanying children during forensic interviews
- Supporting vulnerable adult crime victims—including survivors of sexual assault, developmentally delayed individuals, and the elderly—throughout court proceedings
- Offering emotional support to family members of homicide victims during trial
- Offering comfort during family court proceedings
