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1999 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 676
Directing the Virginia State Crime Commission to study courtroom security in domestic relations cases.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, February 7, 1999
Agreed to by the Senate, February 18, 1999

WHEREAS, the incidence of domestic violence is rising in many communities around the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, a great percentage of the murders in our cities are the result of domestic altercations; and

WHEREAS, these situations often work their way into the courts, not only as the result of criminal charges but also in cases in the domestic relations courts where parties are divorcing and determining custody, support or visitation of children; and

WHEREAS, rarely are emotions or tempers higher than when parties are arguing about how they are going to live, with whom, and who is going to pay for what; and

WHEREAS, our judges, bailiffs and other court personnel deserve protection during these highly charged situations during which parties can become angry and abusive and, in some cases, very dangerous; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Virginia State Crime Commission be directed to study courtroom security in domestic relations cases.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Commission, upon request.

The Commission shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2000 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.