The Cook County criminal courthouse isn’t a particularly inviting place. It’s busy, formal, serious and likely intimidating – especially for children, and even more so for children who have been sexually assaulted.

Enter Hatty: 58 pounds of loving fluff.

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Hatty, a Labrador retriever, was “sworn in” Friday to the Cook County State’s Attorney Office.

As part of her new job, Hatty will sit through interviews of kids and mentally disabled individuals in preparation for trial, or sit with victims in court as they testify.

Hatty’s presence in the courtroom isn’t a given. State law only permits therapy dogs in courtrooms if a judge allows it, and only for children and those with mental disabilities who are victims of sexual assault.

Follow Amanda Vinicky on Twitter: @AmandaVinicky

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