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Children's testimony. A handbook of psychological research and forensic practice.
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2003
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Forensic PsychologyEducationNarrative And IdentityClinical Child PsychologyTrauma In ChildPsychologySocial SciencesFull JusticeChildren's LiteratureEarly Childhood TeachingCognitive DevelopmentEarly Childhood ExperienceChild PsychologyChild Protection/forensicChild WitnessingChildren's RightChild DevelopmentHumanitiesPediatricsForensic PracticeChild Protection
Edited by H.L. Westcott, G.M. Davies & R.H.C. Bull. John Wiley & Sons, Chichester, 2002. pp. 390. £24.95 (pb). ISBN: 0-471-4917-3-X. The subject of children's testimony has been increasingly addressed over the past decade and, as this book so eloquently illustrates, it is a subject that continues to merit increased attention. The book has international representation and includes a wide range of perspectives from contributors of different disciplines (psychologists, lawyers, feminists, sociologists, social workers) whose authors are well versed in their particular areas of specialty. The book has many attributes: It includes the most recent research evidence and developments pertaining to the topics covered in the book. These are reflected in 23 chapters which are categorized into four main parts: Part I – Developmental and cognitive underpinnings of children's testimony; Part II – Memory and interviewing; Part III – Court issues; Part IV – Alternative perspectives on children's testimony. The style of writing is lucid and the themes of the four main parts relate very well to one another. At the end of each of the four parts is a review section which is very helpful in drawing together the salient issues from each chapter. The book is not only interesting and informative. It is also thought provoking but in a somewhat more challenging manner than tends to be the convention in many books. The last three chapters of the book specifically offer challenging debates about aspects of psychological research and professional practice (child protection/forensic) that need to be further addressed in the area of child witnessing (including memory, interviewing, credibility of children, rights of the child). Constructive suggestions for ways forward are offered. The overall content of the book makes worthwhile reading for less experienced and experienced practitioners, researchers and academics. The Editors have done full justice to this book.