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Review J Dev Behav Pediatr. 1991 Apr;12(2):121-8. ACTIONS

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Children on the stand: the obligation to speak the
truth Collections

R V Burton 1, A F Strichartz
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PMID: 2045485

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The competence of young children to testify as witnesses in a court of law, especially with regard to
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the obligation to speak the truth, is examined. The relevant empirical data from developmental
literature is critically reviewed. Topics considered include the development of the concept of lies and
Abstract
truth, moral development, the relationship between moral reasoning and moral conduct, and
observations of moral behavior. The ecological validity of laboratory analogs is considered in light of
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the extreme sensitivity to context of children's abilities and behavior. From available evidence, we
conclude that young children consistently judge lying solely on whether what is said agrees with
Publication types
external facts regardless of inferred intent or belief of the speaker. Further, young children are less
willing to lie because of extenuating circumstances than are older children and adults. The older
child's and adult's decision on whether to tell a lie is based on a consideration of a number of complex MeSH terms
internal and environmental factors. We conclude that children on the witness stand are likely to be
motivated to be as honest, or more honest, than are adults. LinkOut - more
resources

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Review

MeSH terms
Adolescent
Child
Child Advocacy / legislation & jurisprudence*
Child, Preschool
Concept Formation
Crime / legislation & jurisprudence*
Humans
Morals*
Personality Development*
Truth Disclosure*

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