It's a scenario lawyers and legislators use to tell parents that conversations with their children could wind up in court. But now Massachusetts lawmakers are trying to keep prosecutors from using this controversial tactic - and other states are taking notice. Last week, bills to protect the sanctity of family conversations were introduced in both the state House and the Senate. They came after two couples were subpoenaed to testify against their sons in a rape case. What my kid tells me is none of the state's business.
Prosecutors say they ask for a parent's testimony only as a last resort.
But the practice is on the rise - at a time when juveniles are more frequently being charged as adults. Some parents want to testify against children - especially if the crime is particularly horrible, say prosecutors. Some are concerned a parent-child privilege could, in effect, bar parents from testifying, even if they wanted to. Marcia Lewis was forced to testify about her daughter's relationship with President Clinton. Massachusetts may create parent-child confidentiality.