NCJ Number
129709
Date Published
1991
Length
424 pages
Annotation
This book instructs the practicing attorney in the relevance of psychological research and practice to the defense of persons accused of child sexual abuse.
Abstract
Chapters cover psychological research pertinent to the child as witness, the detection and reporting of child sexual abuse cases, research on children's abilities as eyewitnesses, the "shaping" of victims' testimony by interviewers, and competency evaluation for 2- to 5-year-olds. Special techniques for interviewing victims of child sexual abuse are discussed, and issues in the psychologist's role as an expert witness in child sexual abuse cases are addressed. Issues in hearsay evidence and witness confrontation in child sexual abuse cases are also discussed. The psychopathology of the sex offender is discussed as well. Recommendations pertain to the establishment of a National Center for Research and Treatment for Sex Offenders, the decriminalization of certain child sexual abuse incidents, the maintenance of parent-child bonding during legal processing, the evaluation rather than the judging of those guilty offenders who deny their culpability, and compensation for defendants found innocent. Assurance of a fair trial, the minimization of tainted testimony, community safety, and the role of the insurance industry in child sexual abuse cases are discussed as well. Chapter references, appended supplementary information, and a subject index