Detecting Deception in Children's Testimony: Factfinders' Abilities to Reach the Truth in Open Court and Closed-Circuit Trials

This study examined the influence of closed-circuit television (CCTV) on jurors' abilities to detect deception in children's testimony. Children ages 7–9 individually played games and made a video movie with a male confederate. In the guilty condition, stickers were placed on exposed body parts (i.e., the child's arm, toes, and bellybutton). In the not-guilty and deception conditions, stickers were placed on the child's clothing rather than on bare skin. Approximately 3 weeks later, mock jurors recruited from the community viewed child participants testify either in a traditional courtroom setting or via one-way CCTV. The mock jurors responded to questions about the child witness and the defendant as well as deliberated to reach a verdict. Children in the deception condition were asked to testify as if the stickers had been placed on exposed body parts rather than on their clothing. Predeliberation, jurors were less likely to convict when a child testified in the deception condition as opposed to the guilty condition. These differences disappeared following deliberation. There was no support for the notion that jurors reach the truth better when children testify in open court versus via CCTV. Implications for jurors' abilities to reach the truth are discussed.     

My Ride to Work

正Arriving in China several years ago,I was struck by the sheer number of bicycles and electric motor scooters that zipped around the bike lanes of Beijing’s streets.At fi rst,it was intimidating to cross at intersections,but in time I grew accustomed to the hectic activity.I began by riding an old bicycle around the campus neighborhood where I live,getting a feel for being amid the riding masses.     

Face-to-Face Confrontation: Effects of Closed-Circuit Technology on Children's Eyewitness Testimony and Jurors' Decisions

The present study was designed to examine effects of closed-circuit technology on children's testimony and jurors' perceptions of child witnesses. For the study, a series of elaborately staged mock trials was held. First, 5- to 6-year-old and 8- to 9-year-old children individually participated in a play session with an unfamiliar male confederate. Approximately 2 weeks later, children individually testified about the event at a downtown city courtroom. Mock juries composed of community recruits viewed the trials, with the child's testimony presented either live in open court or over closed-circuit television. Mock jurors made ratings concerning the child witness and the defendant, and deliberated to reach a verdict. Results indicated that overall, older children were more accurate witnesses than younger children. However, older, not younger children produced more inaccurate information in free recall. Compared to live testimony in open court, use of closed-circuit technology led to decreased suggestibility for younger children. Testifying in open court was also associated with children experiencing greater pretrial anxiety. Closed-circuit technology did not diminish factfinders' abilities to discriminate accurate from inaccurate child testimony, nor did it directly bias jurors against the defendant. However, closed-circuit testimony biased jurors against child witnesses. Moreover, jurors tended to base their impressions of witness credibility on perceived confidence and consistency. Implications for the use of closed- circuit technology when children testify are discussed.     

Folowing the Scent of Jasmine

正Tea has been linked with China for centuries,but I grew up knowing little about China’s tea or even China.Before coming to Beijing,I was familiar with green tea and black tea,but not much else.As an American with southern roots,black tea was usually served over ice in the summer,with sugar(which counteracted the     

A Tea Toast to the Women Of China

The slow warm-up to spring promises not only multitudes of cherry blossom and other flowers,but it also heralds International Women's Day,March 8.Each year before COVID-19,the All-China Women's Federation used to hold a reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in celebration of China's women and their accomplishments.     

Land of Blessings

<正>Fuzhou is currently reaching back into its long history to re-establish its links to the maritime Silk Road,placing a special emphasis on tourism.The abundance of blue skies,clean air,clear waters and green mountains give the city and its environs a great deal to experience.With the theme of"Refreshing Fujian,"and a city name that means"Land of Blessings,"the area has much to offer visitors.Most international tourists have a familiar itinerary when they come to China     

Spice Girlof China

Considering the spiciness of its fabled cuisine,Chengdu is remarkably laid-back and mellow.Maybe the heat of the chili and the tingling of the Sichuan pepper that tickles the taste buds also balances a person out. On a weekend visit to the city with my husband and a friend,I was determined to experience Chengdu in all its fabulousness.     

TRANSFORMATIONAL CHANGE

October 1 marked the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. During the past seven decades, tremendous changes have taken place in China's society, economy, standard of living and international status. To put its achievements into perspective, Beijing Reviewbreaks down the numbers behind China's development across a wide sphere of sectors.