18-40, SUPERSEDES 17-24 AMENDED IN RE: IN RE: ADMINISTRATIVE RULES - PROTOCOL IN EIGHTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT FOR USE OF THERAPY ANIMALS OR FACILITY DOGS IN PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING A SEXUAL OFFENSE OR CHILD ABUSE, ABANDONMENT, OR NEGLECT - ORDERED 8/23/2018 BY JOHN M. HARRIS
EXCERPT: “WHEREAS, section 92.55(5), Florida Statutes, authorizes the Court to establish conditions it finds just and appropriate when taking the testimony of a victim or witness under the age of 18, a person who has an intellectual disability, or a sexual offense victim or witness; WHEREAS, pursuant to Article V, section (2)(d) of the Florida Constitution, and section 43.26(1)(e), Florida Statutes, the Chief Judge of each judicial circuit is charged with the authority and the power to do everything necessary to promote the prompt and efficient administration of justice; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to provide specific guidelines for the presence and conduct of therapy animals or facility dogs inside the courthouses in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit in any proceeding involving a sexual offense or child abuse, abandonment, or neglect; NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with the authority vested in the Chief Judge pursuant to Rule 2.215, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, it is ORDERED: (Open AO for more information.)”
Additional Information: