Expert Testimony Influences Juror Decisions in Criminal Trials Involving Recovered Memories of Childhood Sexual Abuse

• NCJ Number: 245200
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 22 Issue: 8 Dated: 2013 Pages: 949-967
• Author(s): Ayesha Khurshid; Kristine M. Jacquin
• Date Published: 2013
• Length: 19 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the impact of expert witness orientation (researcher or clinical practitioner) and type of testimony on mock jurors' decisions in a sexual abuse trial.

Abstract

The authors examined the impact of expert witness orientation (researcher or clinical practitioner) and type of testimony (testimony for the prosecution, defense, both prosecution and defense, or no testimony) on mock jurors' decisions in a sexual abuse trial. Participants acted as mock jurors on a sexual abuse criminal trial based on recovered memory that included expert witness testimony. Results showed that expert witness testimony provided by a researcher did not impact mock jurors' guilt ratings any differently than the expert witness testimony provided by a clinical practitioner. However, type of testimony had a significant effect on jurors' guilt ratings such that jurors who read only defense or only prosecution testimony made decisions favoring the relevant side. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.