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In reply to the discussion: Should a 3-year-old child's testimony to his teacher (on child abuse) be admitted in court? [View all]Chemisse
(30,808 posts)1. This paragraph sums up my concern:
"Statements by child witnesses present particular reliability risks due to children's susceptibility to particular modes of questioning, suggestion, and coaching," says a brief from the organization. "The unreliability of child-witness testimony is established not only by an extensive body of research but also by numerous wrongful convictions that were secured on the basis of child-witness testimony that subsequently proved untrue."
I don't think small children should have to face the defendants in court, but I do think that witness testimony, such as the day care provider's, needs to have a lot of supporting evidence to go with it.
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Should a 3-year-old child's testimony to his teacher (on child abuse) be admitted in court? [View all]
dariomax
Mar 2015
OP
Difficult choice, eh? The possible victim is also an unreliable witness and not for any culpable....
marble falls
Mar 2015
#2
I would think the child's words - which are totally spontaneous - would be the best evidence.
Vinca
Mar 2015
#3
Abused children (or even adults) are often intimidated and 'coached' by their abusers.
Erich Bloodaxe BSN
Mar 2015
#33
Something that fell out of a rats ass > An asshole that hit a 3 year old in the face
alphafemale
Mar 2015
#6
Shame on a human piece of trash that has no defense other than bullying a battered baby.
alphafemale
Mar 2015
#18
For me, the worst will always be the Kellers. 2 decades of their lives...lost.
ScreamingMeemie
Mar 2015
#37
Apparently, it's okay to directly violate TOS and use vile personal insults...
99Forever
Mar 2015
#26
The absence of juror comments indicates neither a lack of honor or scruples.
Gormy Cuss
Mar 2015
#45
Sure. A 3 year old could never be misinterpreted, and a teacher would never make a mistake. n/t
jtuck004
Mar 2015
#8
If he claimed to be reincarnated, people would accept it as unquestionable truth.
Orrex
Mar 2015
#17
1) it's hearsay. 2) "incompetent to testify" means what it says - an unreliable testimony.
lumberjack_jeff
Mar 2015
#39