Mo. bill would bar lawyers from yelling at children in courts

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri lawmakers consider a bill barring lawyers from yelling at children in courts.

A House committee heard testimony Wednesday on a "children's bill of courtroom rights."

It would allow children to bring stuffed animals with them into court.

The bill also would require attorneys to use questions that children can understand, to take into account children's nap times and to allow family members or trusted adults in the courtroom during testimony.

House member Bob Dixon says court can be scary for adults who understand the process. The Springfield Republican He says many states have adopted concessions to help children testify.