Prosecutorial Use of Expert Testimony in Domestic Violence Cases: From Recantation to Refusal to Testify

26 Pages Posted: 21 Jan 2009

See all articles by Audrey Rogers

Audrey Rogers

Pace University - School of Law

Date Written: 1998

Abstract

This article discusses the use of expert testimony in prosecuting those charged with domestic abuse. Part I provides a background on the need and nature of expert testimony in domestic violence cases and the requirements for the admission of such expert testimony. It traces the development of the role of expert testimony in domestic violence cases from its initial exclusive use as a defense tool to support self-defense claims to its present use by prosecutors to explain a complainant's recantation or other puzzling behavior. Part II discusses the appellate cases that have addressed the admissibility and scope of expert testimony offered by the prosecution in domestic abuse cases. It then analyzes the proper uses of the expert testimony, including when the State may introduce the testimony and what guidelines courts should follow to ensure that its probative value outweighs any prejudicial effect on the defendant. Part III applies the existing case law to the uncharted issue of whether the courts should allow expert testimony to explain a complainant's outright refusal to testify.

Suggested Citation

Rogers, Audrey, Prosecutorial Use of Expert Testimony in Domestic Violence Cases: From Recantation to Refusal to Testify (1998). Columbia Journal of Gender and Law, Vol. 8, 1998, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1330617

Audrey Rogers (Contact Author)

Pace University - School of Law ( email )

78 North Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
249
Abstract Views
2,275
Rank
223,316
PlumX Metrics