How psychologists can assist in the recovered memory arena Midson, Brenda
Material type:
ArticlePublication details: 1996Description: 12p.; computer file : World Wide WebSubject(s): Online resources:
In: Waikato Law Review 4(1) 1996 : 167-179Summary: This article discusses how psychology can assist law in recovered memory cases concerning childhood sexual abuse. Firstly, there is discussion on how psychology informs law by providing information that is useful to the courts, both in specific cases and in general. The author examines the role of expert evidence from psychologists, discussing both the effects of trauma on memory, and the complainant's behavioural characteristics and history. The issue of court appointed experts and the possibility of court appointed interdisciplinary legal training are also discussed. Secondly, the report looks at how psychology can attempt to influence law and policy. It is argued that recovered memory cases cannot be adequately resolved by the legal system working in isolation.
This article is one of 8 in a special issue of this journal on domestic violence. The whole issue is available here: http://www.waikato.ac.nz/law/research/waikato_law_review/volume_4,_issue_1,_1996
This article discusses how psychology can assist law in recovered memory cases concerning childhood sexual abuse. Firstly, there is discussion on how psychology informs law by providing information that is useful to the courts, both in specific cases and in general. The author examines the role of expert evidence from psychologists, discussing both the effects of trauma on memory, and the complainant's behavioural characteristics and history. The issue of court appointed experts and the possibility of court appointed interdisciplinary legal training are also discussed. Secondly, the report looks at how psychology can attempt to influence law and policy. It is argued that recovered memory cases cannot be adequately resolved by the legal system working in isolation.
Waikato Law Review 4(1) 1996 : 167-179