Challenging counterintuitive testimony.
This resource helps attorneys evaluate and challenge counterintuitive testimony in child sexual abuse cases through motions to suppress or limit testimony, Daubert hearings, and cross-examination.
Child sexual abuse testimony can be legitimate, but experts may overstate what research supports. Having testified for both prosecution and defense about victim behaviors, I aim to promote balanced testimony that acknowledges scientific limits and helps the trier-of-fact.
This resource presents a forensic psychologist’s perspective on science and research. It offers ideas to consider, rather than legal instruction; attorneys decide what fits their case and how to apply it.
Read selectively
Sections stand independently so you can focus on relevant topics. Expect some repeated quotes and research sources.
Summary, then detail
Each topic starts with a summary and observations, followed by detail and citations.
Scientific foundations
Read “Basics of Scientific Research”; these principles underpin many arguments challenging counterintuitive testimony.
Arizona context
Dr. Wendy Dutton’s material reflects her extensive Arizona CSA testimony and expert training. I retained it for local relevance but omitted it from later military trainings.
