Child-witness and defendant credibility: Child evidence presentation mode and judicial instructions

Child-witness presentation mode, judicial instructions, and deliberation st age effects on juror ratings of child witness and defendant were investigat ed. Perceptions of the impact of presentation mode on witnesses, juror task , and justice also were explored. Participants (N = 108) viewed a simulated child sexual abuse trial videotape. Overall child-witness credibility was significantly more positive with videodeposition or court-given child evide nce than with videolink. The defendant was seen as more definitely guilty w hen child testimony was court given than by videodeposition or videolink. P resentation mode also significantly influenced perceived impact on child wi tness, defendant case, and juror task. Judicial instructions interacted wit h presentation mode to affect perceptions of impact on child witness and ju ror task. Findings are discussed in relation to previous research, and impl ications for future research and practice are outlined.