Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 28, 2021 10:40 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Meghan Schroeder |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Re-Introduction of Expert Testimony in Sexual and Domestic Violence Cases (Formerly HB 2175) |
| In the near future, I intend to re-introduce legislation (previous HB 2175) that amends Section 5920 of Title 42 to expand the list of offenses where an expert may testify about the dynamics of sexual and domestic violence. This legislation is necessary as a result of amendments to existing offenses and the creation of additional offenses (human trafficking) in the Crimes Code. Significantly, this legislation will strengthen the ability of prosecutors to combat sexual violence, domestic violence and human trafficking throughout this Commonwealth by permitting expert testimony on the dynamics of victim behavior. Such testimony is critical in these types of cases as it assists the trier of fact in understanding the complex nature of victim behavior, including the reasons victims often refrain from reporting their experiences to law enforcement and continue to remain in contact with their abuser. Please join me in co-sponsoring this legislation to better protect and serve our Commonwealth residents. Previous co-sponsors: R. Brown, Bernstine, Ciresi, T. Davis, Delozier, DeLuca, Fee, Gaydos, Gleim, Grove, Harkins, Heffley, Jozwiak, Mihalek, B. Miller, Mizgorski, Mustello, Owlett, Pickett, Polinchock, Quinn, Rader, Rowe, Ryan, Saylor, Staats, Struzzi, Thomas, Topper and Zimmerman. |
Introduced as HB580