NCJ Number
107428
Journal
Canadian Journal of Family Law Volume: 5 Issue: 2 Dated: (Fall 1986) Pages: 237-251
Date Published
1986
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Any examination of the sufficiency of intelligence of a child to give competent testimony or of the child's appreciation of the moral obligation of speaking the truth in a criminal investigation must also explore the functional abilities of a child and the psychological aspects associated with giving reliable evidence.
Abstract
Piaget's theory of cognitive development of children and Kohlberg's theory of moral development are discussed in this article, in addition to other sociological and psychological findings that cast new light on the child's ability to testify in court. Substantial changes in the justice system will be necessary if our perception of the reliability of children's evidence in legal proceedings is to be improved. (Author abstract)