The admissibility of evidence in child sexual abuse cases

Child Welfare. Jan-Feb 1987;66(1):13-24.

Abstract

Testimony in court by child victims of sexual abuse results in further trauma, frequently inconsistent or retracted accusations, and, in incest cases, exacerbation of family difficulties. A number of states have liberalized rules of evidence in such instances to spare the child; some states have enacted legislation simplifying introduction of the child's out-of-court statements, although the constitutionality of these statutes has yet to be tested.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Criminal Law
  • Expert Testimony / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Humans
  • United States