Linguistically complex recognition prompts in pre‐recorded cross‐examinations
Date
2021
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Behavioral Sciences & the Law
Abstract
This study examined the effects of pre‐trial preparation
and pre‐recorded cross‐examinations on the linguistic
complexity of recognition prompts (i.e., option‐posing or
suggestive questions) used when questioning child victims
in English criminal courts. The study also compared the
linguistic complexity of recognition prompts that did and
did not contain suggestive content. Analyses compared 43
cases that involved pre‐recorded cross‐examinations with
pre‐trial preparation and 44 cases that did not, which
occurred between 2012 and 2016. Cases utilizing the
“special measures” contained fewer linguistically complex
prompts with and without suggestive content than did their
counterparts, demonstrating the benefits of those special
measures. Overall, linguistically complex recognition
prompts were more likely to contain suggestive content
than other recognition prompts. However, linguistically
complex prompts with and without suggestive content
were still frequently used despite the special measures,
demonstrating the need for further professional training to
improve the quality of children's evidence.
Description
item.page.type
Article
item.page.format
Keywords
research, testimony, International Resources, United Kingdom, prompts, linguistics, court
Citation
Stevens, L. M., Henderson, H. M., & Lamb, M. E. (2021). Linguistically complex recognition prompts in pre‐recorded cross‐examinations. Behavioral Sciences & the Law. https://doi.org/10.1002/bsl.2504