000			02052nam a2200289Ia 4500
001			111302
005			20250625151238.0
008			110331s2002 eng
040			_aWSS _dAFV
100			_aArcher, Melita Joy _9717
245			_aCourts rush in where science fears to tread : _bpsychological testimony in child sexual abuse cases under S23G-2c of the Evidence Act 1908 _cArcher, Melita Joy
260			_c2002
300			_a52 p.
365			_a00 _b0
500			_aDissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Bachelor of Laws with Honours.
520			_aThis dissertation examines the admissibility of psychological evidence in child sexual abuse cases. The use of this type of evidence is regulated by the law of evidence, which states that psychological evidence is admissible only if the child displays behaviours that are compellingly and unmistakably consistent with sexual abuse. Psychologists and psychiatrists giving expert testimony must have clinical experience with children who have been sexually abused. The author provides an analysis of the Evidence Act (1908), including a list of behaviours classed as consistent with sexual abuse under s23(g) of this piece of legislation. The difficulty in determining the effects of sexual abuse, and what behaviours constitute a 'consistency' with sexual abuse is emphasised. The author argues for changes to s23(g) of the Evidence Act, such as increased emphasis on research and scientific evidence as opposed to clinical experience, and a clear definition of 'consistent with sexual abuse'. The author contends that psychological evidence is admissible if the testimony has scientific reliability.
522			_anz
650	2	7	_2FVC _aCHILDREN _9127
650	2	7	_2FVC _aCULTURAL ISSUES _9177
650	2	7	_2FVC _aEVIDENCE _9237
650	2	7	_2FVC _aJUSTICE _9333
650	2	7	_2FVC _aMENTAL HEALTH _9377
650	2	7	_2FVC _aPSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS _9473
650	2	7	_2FVC _aTHESES _9606
650	2	4	_aSEXUAL VIOLENCE _9531
942			_2ddc _cTHESIS
999			_c3050 _d3050