Blagojevich girls join dad in courtroom at trial

[July 28, 2010]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Rod Blagojevich's teenage daughter fell into her mother's arms crying during closing arguments of her dad's corruption trial.

Amy Blagojevich's courtroom tears came a day after her 7-year-old sister, Annie, clutched their mother's hand as the family walked past a line of photographers to enter court on Monday.

The Blagojeviches' decision to bring their daughters to court has ignited debate about whether it was intended to help comfort the parents or sway the jury. Child psychology experts say it may be stressful for the girls.

Dr. Louis Kraus at Rush University Medical Center says the girls may hear things "that are not going to be healthy."

A post on Patti Blagojevich's Twitter account says it "meant a lot" for the girls to see their father's supporters.

[Associated Press]

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