Judicial and Legislative Innovations in Child Sexual Abuse Cases (From Child Sexual Abuse, P 205-216, 1985, Maryann McCabe, et al, eds. - See NCJ-100478)

• NCJ Number: 100485
• Author(s): L S Flame
• Date Published: 1985
• Length: 12 pages
• Sale Source: New York State
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

A number of judicial and legislative reforms have been undertaken to increase child sexual abuse prosecution, decrease the victim's vulnerability, and maintain the defendant's rights.

Abstract

In New York, some of these reforms have included the admissibility of videotaped child-victim testimony in grand jury proceedings, the elimination of the corroboration requirement in nonforcible child sexual assault cases, and amendment of the definition of incest to include sodomy. Reforms in other States have included a repeal of statutes that set age limits below which a child is presumed incompetent to testify, exceptions to traditional hearsay rules, inclusion of expert testimony on child sexual abuse dynamics and child behavior, and use of videotaping and closed-circuit television in trials and hearings. Other reforms have included overhaul of sexual offense statutes, tightening of sentencing standards, imposition of monetary penalties, and the provision of victim support services. 47 notes and references.