ABSTRACT
Do children understand what it means to tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”in cases of alleged sexual assault? Professional opinion on that question is divided. Because the consequences of sexual assault allegations are so serious, professionals must actively seek the truth in each case, eschewing preconceived notions of outcome and fanatic advocacy. Objectivity is essential. But truthseeking involves more than an attempt to be impartial; it also involves assessment of the belief systems of those children who provide testimony. In other words, it is important for professionals to understand how children comprehend such concepts as truths, lies, and false beliefs. Moreover, it is vital to understand how children's comprehension of those concepts may affect their testimonial accuracy. The purpose of this chapter is to describe children's understanding of different types of beliefs and their comprehension of the obligation to tell the truth. The chapter also discusses factors that may influence truthtelling, and outlines some strategies for maximizing truthtelling in cases involving allegations of child sexual assault.
