This blog presents news items and resources relating to trial advocacy and the legal system, with a focus on Washington State. It was developed to support the Trial Advocacy Program at the University of Washington School of Law, but now has a broader coverage and a wider audience. In addition to information about trials and trial practice, you'll find notes about appellate practice, the courts, access to justice, and related topics.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The death of a woman who was killed while working undercover in a police drug sting has prompted Florida lawmakers to pass a first-of-its-kind law to protect confidential informants.

The law, which unanimously passed the Senate on April 30 and is on the governor's desk for approval, establishes uniform guidelines and written standards for the use of confidential informants by Florida police departments. Specifically, it requires law enforcement agencies to take into account the informant's age, maturity and substance abuse history to protect the informant from any potential harm.