THE COMPETENCE OF YOUNG-CHILDREN TO TESTIFY IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Authors
MYERS JEB
Citation
Jeb. Myers, THE COMPETENCE OF YOUNG-CHILDREN TO TESTIFY IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS, Behavioral sciences & the law, 11(2), 1993, pp. 121-133
Citations number
26
Categorie Soggetti
Psychology, Applied","Medicine, Legal",Law
Journal title
Behavioral sciences & the law → ACNP
ISSN journal
07353936
Volume
11
Issue
2
Year of publication
1993
Pages
121 - 133
Database
ISI
SICI code
0735-3936(1993)11:2<121:TCOYTT>2.0.ZU;2-X
Abstract
Young children testify as witnesses with increasing frequency. This ar ticle describes the law regarding children's competence to testify. Th e article focuses on: (1) the elements of testimonial competence, incl uding perception, memory, understanding the difference between the tru th and a lie, and understanding the duty to tell the truth in court; ( 2) the requirement of personal knowledge of relevant facts; and (3) th e requirement that the child take a religious oath or a secular affirm ation.