2596-S AMS HARG STRU 023

SHB 2596 - S AMD 302

By Senators Hargrove and Carrell

ADOPTED 3/05/2010

    On page 6, after line 2, insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4.  A new section is added to chapter 9A.44 RCW to read as follows:

While Article I, section 22 of the state Constitution and the sixth amendment of the United States Constitution protect the right of a defendant to represent him or herself in a criminal trial, Article I, section 35 of the state Constitution requires that crime victims be accorded due dignity and respect.  Conflicts may arise between these constitutional provisions when a pro se defendant questions a victim in court.  Procedures may be employed that preserve the pro se defendant's control over his or her own trial and that limit the trauma experienced by the victim.  The legislature commends consideration of these competing constitutional provisions to the supreme court of Washington."

    Correct the title.

EFFECT:  Adds intent section regarding the procedures to be usedto preserve the defendants' (those who represent themselves in court) control over his or her trial and limit the trauma experienced by the victims. 

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