Dog in Court Causes Legal Controversy
Rosie the service dog isn’t the first court dog in the country, but she’s the first in New York, and defense attorneys may appeal the guilty verdict she recently helped secure. Rosie aided a 15-year-old rape survivor as she testified against the man who had abused her for four years.
Rosie stayed on the witness stand with the girl, and comforted her whenever she froze or was distraught. Prosecutors say that Rosie made all the difference in enabling the young woman to testify.
Defense attorneys agree that Rosie is a sweet, wonderful dog, but say that’s just the problem — her presence in the courtroom could have been unfairly prejudicial, swaying the jury. But prosecutors say the law allows for “any and all” accommodations to be made when a minor has to testify.
As for Rosie, she’s prepping for another trial. Many states, and recently the U.S. military, have begun using dogs like Rosie in difficult court cases.