State and challenges of statement credibility assessment

Abstract

In the recent past there has been increased criticism of the inclusion of credibility assessments by expert witnesses in processes with sexual offences. A tenor of this criticism reads that the scientific foundation of statement validity assessment is insufficient for its practical implementation in some relevant cases. This unfounded criticism does not represent a challenge for statement psychology as shown in this article; however, challenges arise from the legislative changes in the recent past, such as the extension of the statutory periods of limitation for criminal prosecutions of child sexual abuse or the reformation of the law governing sexual offences (§177 German Penal Code, StGB, new edition). Despite these challenges, expert opinions about the credibility of witnesses`statements introduce scientific knowledge into criminal trials and have a high degree of acceptance in German legal practice. In the majority of cases science-based credibility assessments contribute to the fact that assertions of actual victims are believed.