Possibilities of a Psychological Analysis of the Testimonies of Juvenile Witnesses and Victims in Criminal Proceedings

The article estimates the issues of quality control, credibility and accuracy of testimonies of minor witnesses and victims. The scheme of psychological analysis developed by the authors of the testimony of minors in criminal proceedings based on the research and experience of both foreign and domestic experts is presented. The practice of psychological support for the investigation of crimes by psychologists of the Main Department of Criminalistics (Forensic Center) of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation showed that a psychological analysis of the testimony is in top-requested in two cases in particular: as may be required as a quick assessment of the testimony of minors for urgent procedural decisions and when investigating crimes against sexual integrity, when the testimony of a child are key evidence. The article provides examples of the use of this analysis scheme in the investigation of specific criminal cases and the consideration of materials of pre-investigation checks.

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