PEDIATRICS Vol. 80 No. 4 October 1987, pp. 585-589
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Children as Witnesses in Child Sexual Abuse Trials

Julius Landwirth MD, JD1

1 From the Departments of Pediatrics, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, and University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington

When alleged child sexual abusers are prosecuted and brought to trial, child witnesses are often exposed to procedural requirements of the criminal justice system that may cause further psychologic trauma. These procedures are driven by the dual interests of pursuing the truth and protecting the constitutional rights of the accused to a fair trial with a presumption of innocence. Proposals for judicial reforms designed to balance both interests while shielding children from potential adverse effects of the process are discussed.

Key Words: child sexual abuse • courtroom witness

Submitted on February 23, 1987
Accepted on May 4, 1987