Abstract
In light of recent research calling into question the way in which child complainants of sexual assault are cross-examined, the purpose of the present study was to use court transcripts to investigate the questions asked during cross-examination, and the responses given, as a function of whether the complainant was a child or an adult. Although cross-examining lawyers appeared to make some concessions for children, they asked complainants in both age groups a high proportion of very challenging questions. Moreover, adult complainants were not immune to the negative effects of cross-examination on their testimony; all adult complainants made at least one change to their earlier testimony under cross-examination, and adults made just as many changes as children. Many changes occurred in response to credibility challenging and leading questions. It is now imperative that laboratory research continues into cross-examination might affect witnesses' ability to provide accurate details of their past experiences.
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