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What Would Happen If Videotaped Depositions Of Sexually Abused Children Were Routinely Admitted In Civil Trials? A Journey Through The Legal Process And Beyond , John B. Mitchell

Seattle University Law Review

As all of us are aware, there has been concern throughout our legal system about the trauma that child victims of sexual abuse suffer when testifying at criminal trials. It is likely that these same concerns will follow into the civil arena as civil cases for sexual abuse of child victims become more common. In response, advocates of child victims will propose that videotapes of child depositions be admitted in trial in place of live testimony. Such evidence may have profound effects on juries and may also alter the role of advocates in our civil system. This Article is about …