Seminar 3
90 Years of Research on Child Suggestibility

This third of the Psychlaw.net five-part series gives attorneys and mental health professionals insight more than nine decades of research into children and suggestibility.  Cutting edge science into memory manipulation and the manner in which untrained or biased interviewers alter children’s memories is carefully explained.  Dr. Lorandos and Mr. Clancy explain how to use this important science in direct and cross examination of witnesses in these difficult cases.  The use of real life examples as well as the explanation of courtroom tactics needed to defend those falsely accused of child molestation is a special focus of this seminar.

Seminar 3 on DVD can be purchased using this PDF.

Seminar 3 in Windows Media Streaming Video Format

Introduction and Contents

This seminar breaks down, decades of scientific research into the manipulation of children’s memories and explains how this important science can be used in the courtroom and includes:

90 Years of Research on Suggestibility

What is "Suggestibility"?

• The Natural History of an Allegation of Sexual Molestation
• What Motivates Interviews to Use Leading Questions
• The Anxious Parent
• Refusal to Accept the Child's Denial
• Parent's Lack of Accurate Recall of What Questioned They Asked
• The Conversational Partner
• Peer Influence
• Negative Stereotyping

Interview Process

• Negative Stereotyping
• Interviewer Bias
• Confirmatory Bias
• Preconceived Notions
• Cooperative Conversationalist
• Repeat Questions
• Source Monitoring
• The Pediatrician Studies
• Memory of Touching
• Anatomical Dolls
• Documentation of Forensic Interviews
• Notes v. Recording
• Interviewer Modification

Using the Research in Trial

• Gathering the Data
• Taint Hearings
• Studies v. Video Presentation
• Crime and Punishment
• Courtroom Demonstration
• Conclusion

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION Credits and Seminars

These CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION Seminars have been approved for Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of California in the amount of one credit per one seminar hour.  Psychlaw.net certifies that this activity conforms to the standards for approved educational activities prescribed by the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California. A Historical Perspective has been approved for Criminal Law Specialization and Family Law Specialization Units. For Specialization Credits, please call (734) 327-5030 or (415) 877-6010 for further information.
 

CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION Teaching Seminars

Dr. Lorandos and Mr. Clancy are available for educational presentations to local bar associations. They may be contacted at (743) 327-5030 or (415) 877-6010.