EVALUATION OF CHILD WITNESSES FOR CONFRONTATION BY CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS

States have passed legislation governing the procedures by which child ren may testify in cases of child abuse. In Maryland v. Craig (1990), the United States Supreme court reviewed the constitutionality of thes e procedures. As a result, psychologists may be asked to perform evalu ations regarding the potential trauma a child faces in confronting a d efendant in a criminal case. Specifically, opinions of psychologists m ay be sought as to the potential trauma a child may endure as a result of a face-to-face confrontation with a defendant. Research relevant t o this assessment is reviewed, and it is suggested that psychologists may be of most help in preparing children to testify. Careful attentio n should be given to ethical and legal issues, and psychologists shoul d be careful not to overstep the limits of their expertise.