THE CHILD SEX ABUSE SYNDROME - THE OTHER MAJOR ISSUE IN STATE OF NEW-JERSEY V MICHAELS,MARGARET,KELLY

This article focuses on expert testimony regarding the child sex abuse syndrome in the Margaret Kelly Michaels trial. It examines 3 points r aised by the Michaels court: the credentials of the expert, the nature of the syndrome testimony, and the basis on which the court rejected the testimony. The Michaels court's analysis is compared with the trea tment other courts have afforded these issues; the current state of th e law regarding each of these points and the concerns of scientific co mmunity are addressed. Policy recommendations regarding the admission of this type of expert testimony are introduced.