Lang
6/29/24
The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled that children in abuse cases must appear in-person when testifying in court.
That 4-3 ruling came down on Friday. It involves the trial of Derek White of Melvin, who was found guilty of three felony child abuse and child endangerment charges in 2022. Two child witnesses were allowed to testify via video, telling the court White had struck one of them in the face with a belt.
Prosecutors argued the video testimony was necessary because having the children in the same room as White would be traumatic. The majority justices ruled Friday that not allowing the accused to see their accusers face-to-face was unconstitutional.
White will now receive a new trial.