A 1990 assessment of the cognitive abilities of children and the variables affecting memory.

Why would a child invent a memory of something that never happened? How reliable can a memory be when it is recalled years after the event? Child Forensic Psychology tackles the controversial questions that lie between forensic and developmental psychology. By examining the issues that surround children's status as eyewitnesses and victims, the book relates current theory to real-life examples drawn from criminal and family courts. Breaking down the ways in which psychologists deal with these difficult issues, the book will be a vital resource for students and practitioners alike. Key features of Child Forensic Psychology: - Topical case studies, taken from the UK and around the world - Coverage of the very latest theories and research - Unique chapter investigating the psychology of missing and abducted children Written by a collection of leading researchers and practitioners, Child Forensic Psychology is an indispensable guide that shines a light on the psychology of children in the courtroom.

Perspectives on Children's Testimony presents current empirical research on the factors which influence adults' perceptions of the child witness. This volume provides researchers in both the psychological and the criminal justice communities with knowledge about adult beliefs regarding child witnesses, how these beliefs may influence jury verdicts, and the relationship of these perceptions to the credibility and accuracy of children's testimony. A variety of new techniques are employed in assessing adult views of child witnesses. Special features of the volume include: an in-depth treatment of techniques of interviewing child victims of sexual abuse, an examination of children's perceptions and knowledge of the legal system, and critical and theoretical integrations of the original, empirical papers.

Every year, numerous crimes occur involving child eyewitnesses. In some cases, children are the only eyewitnesses, which makes them especially critical for solving the cases. But how reliable is child eyewitness evidence? This book summarises the research on how well children can describe an event and perpetrator (which is a recall task) and how well they can identify the perpetrator in person or in photographs (which is a recognition task). It shows that although children may be less advanced in these skills than adults, they nonetheless can provide invaluable evidence. Pozzulo interprets the research in light of developmental theories, and notes practical implications for forensic investigations. In particular, the chapters highlight interviewing techniques to facilitate accurate recall and lineup techniques to facilitate accurate recognition. This book is an essential resource for all forensic investigators.

This volume presents a collection of chapters by top researchers reporting the new child witness research being conducted today. In these chapters, the authors confront the major societal issues and questions that arise when children must give testimony: Do children have the cognitive capacity to recall accurately and report past events? How can knowledge of children's memory be applied to understanding children's testimony in forensic situations? Do socio-emotional or motivational factors influence the accuracy of children's reports? Are children likely to conceal or fabricate information about past events? Are there special interview techniques that might enhance the likelihood of obtaining accurate information from child witnesses? Can jurors accurately evaluate the testimony of child witnesses? Are jurors biased in ways that might preclude the fair adjudication of trials involving child witnesses? What is the emotional impact on child witnesses of involvement in legal proceedings? This book will be an invaluable reference to anyone concerned with children's testimony legal, mental health, social service, and medical professionals, students of psychology, social policy, or law, as well as practitioners and researchers.

Grounded in the latest clinical and developmental knowledge, this book brings together leading authorities to examine the critical issues that arise when children and adolescents become involved in the justice system. Chapters explore young people’s capacities, competencies, and special vulnerabilities as victims, witnesses, and defendants. Key topics include the reliability of children’s abuse disclosures, eyewitness testimony, interviews, and confessions; the evolving role of the expert witness; the psychological impact of trauma and of legal involvement; factors that shape jurors’ perceptions of children; and what works in rehabilitating juvenile offenders. Policies and practices that are not supported by science are identified, and approaches to improving them are discussed.

Children's Testimony offers a comprehensive and up-to-dateassessment of issues relating to children's evidence. Starting withpsychological underpinnings and child protection considerations,the reader is taken through a clearly structured and timelycollection of chapters from internationally renownedcontributors. Pointers for practitioners are clearly highlighted throughout and aunique, jargon-free glossary of psychological terms encountered inchild witness research is included making this a highly practicaltext. * An accessible review of existing knowledge and preview of new andrecent developments in psychological research and forensicpractice * An outstanding group of international contributors * Offers a broad scope that considers all the key areas of researchand practice

Memories are the ultimate foundation of testimony in legal settings ranging from criminal trials to divorce mediations and custody hearings. Yet the last decade has seen mounting evidence of various ways in which the accuracy of memories can be distorted on the one hand and enhanced on the other. This book offers a long-awaited comprehensive and balanced overview of what we now understand about children's and adults' eyewitness capabilities--and of the important practical and theoretical implications of this new understanding. The authors, leading clinicians and behavioral scientists with diverse training experiences and points of view, provide insight into the social, cognitive, developmental, and legal factors that affect the accuracy and quality of information obtained in forensic interviews. Armed with the knowledge these chapters convey, practitioners in psychology, psychiatry, social work, criminology, law, and other relevant fields will be better informed about the strengths and limitations of witnesses' accounts; researchers will be better poised to design powerful new studies. Memory and Suggestibility in the Forensic Interview will be a crucial resource for anyone involved in elucidating, interpreting, and reporting the memories of others.

Advancing Developmental Science reviews the state-of-the-science in theoretical, methodological, and topical research, with a unique focus on the scholarship that developed within a process-relational framework.