We dogs hold a special place in the hearts of our humans, and while most of have little required of us besides love and smiles, there are a special few who do a great deal for their humans. Service dogs have long been depended upon to help individuals with disabilities in their day to day lives and to provide comfort to those in care facilities. Now these specially trained dogs are being used in the legal system.
Several years ago, a prosecutor in King County, Washington, began bringing her son’s service dog to the office. Jeeter, a golden retriever/lab mix, quickly earned the admiration of the staff by comforting a young boy who was reluctant to testify in court. Jeeter’s friendship and support helped the boy conquer his fears.
Several prosecutors’ offices in various parts of the country now have four-legged employees. Here in Texas, Harris County has started an organization called Paws & Order: SDU (Special Dog Unit), composed of “courtroom dogs” and volunteers.
“Courtroom dogs” are specially trained to help calm and support individuals as they are questioned in the prosecutor’s office or in the courtroom. The dog must learn to lie perfectly still but also to respond to the emotional needs of the individual testifying. A courtroom dog’s quiet demeanor is soothing and helps nervous and frightened witnesses remain calm on the witness stand.
Opponents of the dog programs claim that the presence of an animal furnished by a prosecutor borders on tampering with the witness. One criminal defense attorney in Houston thought that the presence of the dog created an unfair advantage in court because witnesses might be inclined to align themselves with the prosecutor’s office that provided the dog.
One alternative would be to create programs sponsored by the courts, the neutral party in our legal system. The court staff could make the dogs available as they were needed for a number of legal-related purposes, both in and out of the courtroom.
WHAT DO YOU THINK –
Can service dogs be useful tools in law offices and courtrooms?
Would a calm and friendly dog help during a divorce settlement conference?
Would a dog be reassuring and helpful during a stressful trial?
Other reading material about dogs in court:
http://www.thebark.com/content/dogs-courtroom
http://www.myfoxhouston.com/dpp/news/local/090821_da_office_violent_crime_victims
http://animals.change.org/blog/view/dogs_perform_civic_duty_as_courtroom_companions
http://www.courthousedogs.com/
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-02-22-court-dogs_N.htm
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/apr/29/newest-hand-in-kitsap-prosecutors-office-gives-a/
http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/going_to_the_dogs_-_in_a_good_way/
http://www.abajournal.com/magazine/article/at_this_prosecutors_office_a_furry_soft_spot_for_kids/
