Benchbook to Help District Judges Handle
Cases Involving Sexually Violent Crimes
The nation’s first Sexual Violence Benchbook designed specifically to guide state district judges in the handling of the crimes of sexual violence is being distributed to more than 540 magisterial districts judges throughout the state, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court announced on Thursday. “The benchbook is a valuable resource for our front-line judges, a comprehensive guide providing ‘best practices’ and information to help district judges understand the intricacies and procedural requirements in these highly sensitive sexual offense cases,” Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice J. Michael Eakin said. Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Jack Panella, the book’s principal author, said, “We addressed the procedural and practical steps of sex offense cases and included detailed information regarding preliminary arraignments and hearings, standard of proof or probable cause to support charges, and the setting of bail and bail conditions to ensure the safety of alleged victims and witnesses.” Th...