The Future of Children

This article discusses issues in the adjudication of child sexual abuse allegations. Such allegations may be tried in criminal court and/or civil court (in child abuse or divorce proceedings), and these forums are discussed. Often central to any of these proceedings is the necessity for a child to testify. The article reviews research about the believability of child witnesses and discusses accommodations for the child that could assist the child witness and encourage accurate testimony, as well as continue to protect the rights of the accused. The American legal system plays an important role in responding to child sexual abuse. The system is immensely complex, consisting of federal and state courts, trial and appellate courts, innumerable investigative agencies, and thousands of attorneys, probation officers, and related professionals. Moreover, the legal system varies from place to place. The particular complexities involved in responding to child sexual abuse only complicate further an already labyrinthine legal