The General Assembly finds that it is necessary to provide every victim and witness with a cognitive disability, particularly those whose disability renders them the emotional or mental equivalent of a child, with additional consideration and different treatment than that usually required for adult victims and witnesses who are not cognitively disabled. It is therefore the intent of the General Assembly to provide each victim and witness with a cognitive disability who is involved in a criminal proceeding with certain fundamental rights and protections.

74 Del. Laws, c. 44, §  1; 

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this subchapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

(1) “Cognitive disability” means a developmental disability that substantially impairs an individual’s cognitive abilities including, but not limited to, delirium, dementia and other organic brain disorders for which there is an identifiable pathologic condition, as well as nonorganic brain disorders commonly called functional disorders. “Cognitive disability” also includes conditions of mental retardation, severe cerebral palsy, and any other condition found to be closely related to mental retardation because such condition results in the impairment of general intellectual functioning or adaptive behavior similar to that of persons who have been diagnosed with mental retardation, or such condition requires treatment and services similar to those required for persons who have been diagnosed with mental retardation.

(2) “Victim” or “witness” shall not include any person with a cognitive disability accused of committing a felony; provided however, that the word “victim” or “witness” may, in the court’s discretion, include:

a. A person with a cognitive disability where such person’s participation in a felony appears to have been induced, coerced or unwilling; or

b. A person with a cognitive disability who has participated in the felony, but who has subsequently and voluntarily agreed to testify on behalf of the State.

74 Del. Laws, c. 44, §  1; 

In all criminal proceedings involving a victim or witness with a cognitive disability, the court and the prosecution shall take appropriate action to ensure a prompt trial in order to minimize the length of time the victim or witness must endure the stress of the victim’s or witness’s involvement in the proceedings. In ruling on any motion or other request for a delay or continuance of proceedings, the court shall consider and give weight to any adverse impact such delay or continuance might have on the well-being of any victim or witness with a cognitive disability.

74 Del. Laws, c. 44, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1; 

(a) A victim or witness with a cognitive disability is entitled to an explanation, in language the victim or witness understands, of all legal proceedings in which the victim or witness is to be involved.

(b) A victim or witness with a cognitive disability is entitled to be accompanied, in all proceedings, by a “friend” or other person in whom the victim or witness trusts, which person shall be permitted to advise the judge, when appropriate and as a friend of the court, regarding the person with a cognitive disability and that person’s ability to understand proceedings and questions.

(c) A victim or witness with a cognitive disability is entitled to information about, and referrals to, appropriate social services and programs to assist the victim or witness, and the victim’s or witness’s family, in coping with the emotional impact of the crime, and the subsequent court proceedings in which the victim or witness is to become involved.

74 Del. Laws, c. 44, §  1;  70 Del. Laws, c. 186, §  1;  79 Del. Laws, c. 371, §  10;