491.710. Hearings involving child witnesses given docket priority--delays or continuances granted, when. - Missouri Statutes

Hearings involving child witnesses given docket priority--delays orcontinuances granted, when.

491.710. In all criminal cases and juvenile court hearingsunder chapter 211, RSMo, involving a child victim or witness, asdefined in section 491.678 or 491.696, the court shall givedocket priority. The court and the prosecuting or circuitattorney shall take appropriate action to insure a speedy trialin order to minimize the length of time the child must endure thestress of his or her involvement in the proceeding. In ruling onany motion or other request for a delay or continuance ofproceedings, the court shall consider and give weight to anyadverse impact the delay or continuance may have on thewell-being of a child victim or witness.

(L. 1987 H.B. 598 § 17)