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1. Lyon, T. D., & Saywitz, K. J. (2000). Qualifying Children To Take The Oath: Materials For Interviewing Professionals., Thomas D. Lyon
1. Lyon, T. D., & Saywitz, K. J. (2000). Qualifying Children To Take The Oath: Materials For Interviewing Professionals., Thomas D. Lyon
Thomas D. Lyon
No abstract provided.
5. Child Witnesses And The Oath: Empirical Evidence., Thomas D. Lyon
5. Child Witnesses And The Oath: Empirical Evidence., Thomas D. Lyon
Thomas D. Lyon
In Commonwealth v. Corbett, the defendant was charged with sexually assaulting a five-year-old child. As in most cases of sexual abuse, the child was the only witness to the abuse, and the prosecution viewed her testimony as essential. However, before the prosecutor could present the child's testimony to the jury, it was necessary to qualify her for the oath. Most courts require that child witnesses have some understanding of the difference between the truth and lies and the importance of telling the truth, and Massachusetts is no exception. A child who fails the qualifying questions is considered testimonially incompetent, and …