The Quality of Autobiographical Memories of Sexual Assault

Jane Goodman-Delahunty, Mark Nolan

Research output: Book chapter/Published conference paperChapter

Abstract

In a sexual assault trial, almost invariably, the lack of corroborative evidence
in support of the allegations makes the quality of the complainant’s memory a
focal issue. Word-on-word cases can pose perplexing memory conundrums. This
paper summarises scientific developments in the field of autobiographical memory
to provide guidance for investigators, legal practitioners and courts tasked with
making decisions about the quality of complainants’ autobiographical memories
of sexual assault. The paper acquaints readers with facts about memory that are
counterintuitive, and bear on the credibility of sexual assault complainants. It
familiarises readers with relevant common memory misconceptions so that the
presence or absence of specific qualitative features of the evidence does not lead
to errors in evaluating the complainant’s credibility.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSexual Assault Trials
Subtitle of host publicationChallenges and Innovations
EditorsGreg Byrne, Jacqui Horan
PublisherLexis Nexis
Chapter4
Pages45-66
Number of pages21
ISBN (Print)9780409359862
Publication statusAccepted/In press - 03 Feb 2025

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