Community Members' Beliefs about Children in Australian Courts

Abstract

The present study investigates the beliefs held by community members regarding child witnesses, with some emphasis on cases where a child is involved in a claim of sexual abuse. Responses to a survey of beliefs about children of different ages were collected from 204 Queenslanders of jury-eligible age. Results showed a variety of beliefs were held, with some differences between beliefs about younger and older children, particularly in terms of beliefs about memory abilities and suggestibility. Beliefs were also somewhat varied in terms of participants' age, gender, parental status and educational level.