Children as Victims Witnesses and Offenders: Psychological Science and the Law

About this book

Grounded in the latest clinical and developmental knowledge this book brings together leading authorities to examine the critical issues that arise when children and adolescents become involved in the justice system. Chapters explore young peoples capacities competencies and special vulnerabilities as victims witnesses and defendants. Key topics include the reliability of childrens abuse disclosures eyewitness testimony interviews and confessions; the evolving role of the expert witness; the psychological impact of trauma and of legal involvement; factors that shape jurors perceptions of children; and what works in rehabilitating juvenile offenders. Policies and practices that are not supported by science are identified and approaches to improving them are discussed.