Dr. Charles P. Ewing served as action editor for this article.
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What do we really know about witness preparation?†
Article first published online: 18 APR 2002
DOI: 10.1002/bsl.472
Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Issue
1099-0798/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=27cb3cb3b3e789b2519ed5b84bdb198bf5ddfb33 "Behavioral Sciences & the Law")
Behavioral Sciences & the Law
Special Issue: Current Directions
Volume 20, Issue 1-2, pages 161–189, January - April 2002
Additional Information
How to Cite
Boccaccini, M. T. (2002), What do we really know about witness preparation?. Behav. Sci. Law, 20: 161–189. doi: 10.1002/bsl.472
- †
I would like to thank Stanley L. Brodsky for his helpful comments on an earlier draft of this article.
Publication History
- Issue published online: 18 APR 2002
- Article first published online: 18 APR 2002
- Abstract
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Abstract
Witnesses often meet with an attorney or witness preparation specialist before trial to review, discuss, and sometimes modify the substance and delivery of their anticipated testimony. This process is commonly referred to as witness preparation. During witness preparation, witnesses are taught to use effective testimony delivery skills (e.g., verbal and nonverbal communication skills) so that they will be perceived as being credible and persuasive in the courtroom. Although social scientists know much about communication skills, credibility, and persuasion, few published studies have attempted to determine whether or not these factors can be modified through witness preparation training. The present article reviews the psychological literature pertaining to witness preparation and makes recommendations for needed witness preparation research. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.