Due process and the admission of expert evidence on recovered memory in historic child sexual abuse cases: lessons from America

Date

2012

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

International Journal of Evidence & Proof

Abstract

This article reviews the decisions of the US state courts on the admissibility of expert testimony on recovered memory in historic child sexual abuse prosecutions. Unlike their English and Irish counterparts, most US courts scrutinise the reliability of expert evidence on recovered memory. In examining the US decisions the article explores the challenges posed to the criminal process by the contested scientific status of recovered memory theory. It sets out due process arguments why expert evidence on the topic should not be admitted in a criminal trial. (Author Abstract)

Description

Keywords

child abuse, psychological effects, testimony, legal review

Citation

Ring, Sinead. (2012). Due process and the admission of expert evidence on recovered memory in historic child sexual abuse cases: lessons from America. International Journal of Evidence & Proof, 16, 66-92.

DOI