SB 575

Bill Subjects

Abstract

Existing law provides that a person who is under 18 years of age and who commits a crime is within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court and may be adjudicated a ward of the court, except as specified. Existing law requires the prosecuting attorney to offer proof beyond a reasonable doubt to support a finding that a minor is a ward of the court. The admission and exclusion of evidence in juvenile court is pursuant to the rules of evidence established by the Evidence Code and by judicial decision. Existing law permits in criminal actions the admission of expert testimony regarding intimate partner battering and its effects, including testimony on the nature and effect of physical, emotional, or mental abuse on the beliefs, perceptions, or behavior of victims of domestic violence. This bill would provide that in a juvenile court hearing or in a criminal proceeding against a minor, expert testimony is admissible regarding the condition of the mind of the minor at the time of the offense, including the nature and effect of physical, emotional, or mental abuse on the beliefs, perceptions, or behavior of victims of child abuse and neglect, as defined, except as specified.