Citation

Brooks K, Siegal M. Aust. Psychol. 1991; 26(2): 84-88.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Australian Psychological Society, Publisher Wiley-Blackwell)

DOI

10.1080/00050069108258841

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Children are often legally competent to give eyewitness testimony. In this article, we outline the psycho-legal framework in which their evidence can be utilised. We examine issues in memory recall and recognition and consider the effects of leading questions on children's testimony together with the conditions under which their answers gain credibility. Despite common apprehensions, children's abilities within the courtroom appear to be underestimated. If given adequate support, their often underutilised testimony may be effectively applied.