Intermediaries and cross-examination resilience in children: the development of a novel experimental methodology

Henry, L. A., Crane, L., Millmore, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8626-0713, Nash, G. and Wilcock, R. (2021) Intermediaries and cross-examination resilience in children: the development of a novel experimental methodology. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 35 (6). pp. 1387-1404. ISSN 0888-4080 doi: 10.1002/acp.3869

Abstract/Summary

Experimental studies examining child ‘witnesses’ under cross-examination typically rely on researchers questioning children using a ‘barrister’s script’. In the current research, experienced barristers used a defence statement from a mock perpetrator (who committed a theft 11 months earlier) to challenge typically developing children’s evidence under cross-examination. We also assessed whether Registered Intermediaries (RIs), trained professionals who facilitate communication between vulnerable witnesses and members of the justice system, help children reduce compliance with misleading cross-examination suggestions. Results demonstrated that children (6-11 years) complied with barristers’ challenges to a high degree: 94% agreed with at least one of the barristers’ seven false suggestions. However, when assisted by an RI, children were significantly less compliant with barrister challenges. These findings, and additional analyses of the nature of child responses and barrister questions, provide novel empirical evidence for the beneficial role of RIs in tempering the adverse effects of cross-examination style questioning for children.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/99899
Identification Number/DOI	10.1002/acp.3869
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Law
Publisher	John Wiley
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