NCJ Number
124874
Editor(s)
D W Lloyd
Date Published
1989
Length
99 pages
Annotation
This 1989 symposium focused on child witnesses in sexual abuse cases.
Abstract
Symposium participants noted several techniques that can be used to enable children to testify, including closed-circuit television, videotape, and one-way mirrors and screens. They also discussed what can and should be done to help judges understand the nuances of child witness testimony and whether they should admit expert testimony. Major issues involving the judicial response to child sexual abuse cases were examined, including unified courts, the use of special courtrooms for children, whether judicial education on child abuse should be mandatory, and how much initiative judges should take to control their courtrooms. The need for innovative and flexible judicial procedures in handling child sexual abuse victims/witnesses was stressed, along with benefits and drawbacks associated with the use of expert testimony. The impact of testifying on children and the potential trauma of the courtroom process and environment were considered, as well as ways that judges and attorneys can make the courtroom experience less traumatic for children. Social attitudes toward child sexual abuse and their effect on judges and juries were discussed, and programs targeting child victims/witness were noted. Appendixes contain a 20-citation bibliography and a description of the National Resource Center on Child Sexual Abuse.