Wealthy Child Molester Gets Probation, Wouldn't Fare Well In Prison

[DrPhil]

What is the earliest age of memory for most people, especially for allegedly traumatic events? I remember both good and bad things from when I was in preschool (4) and elementary school (5). I'm almost 40.

Is it unreasonable for an 11 year old to remember something from the age of 3? Not if grown adults can remember something from preschool and elementary school.

The issue would be having a detailed memory that includes the full context and correct interpretation/translation of events.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

What is the earliest age of memory for most people, especially for allegedly traumatic events? I remember both good and bad things from when I was in preschool (4) and elementary school (5). I'm almost 40.

Is it unreasonable for an 11 year old to remember something from the age of 3? Not if grown adults can remember something from preschool and elementary school.

The issue would be having a detailed memory that includes the full context and correct interpretation/translation of events.

The defendant only needs reasonable doubt. In the criminal context. In the civil context, the burden will be much lower, but still, there are going to be a number of barriers to the plaintiff before this 11 year old would be allowed to testify.

I don't think she'll really need to though, the civil trial will be about damages. His defense at this point can't be "I didn't do it," he is going to have to say, "I did it, but she shouldn't be paid because _____."

I can't imagine many jurors will find him persuasive.

[DrPhil]

Yes, I know.

DuBaiSis and I are interested in the ability or inability of people to accurately remember things from as young as 3.

[WhiteRose1912]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

What is the earliest age of memory for most people, especially for allegedly traumatic events?

Psychologists generally agree on 3 years.

[DrPhil]

Originally Posted by WhiteRose1912

Psychologists generally agree on 3 years.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by Kevin

Memories at those young ages are very susceptible to modification.

I've seen 4 year olds totally convinced that their father molested them. Fortuanately, in those cases, the forensic interview ruled it out. That doesn't mean that a well-researched parent couldn't train the kid up well enough to pass the interview.

Yes, I know. Hence....

Originally Posted by DrPhil

The issue would be having a detailed memory that includes the full context and correct interpretation/translation of events.

Originally Posted by DuBaiSis

This is a perfect example of how a memory can be completely wrong. I remember it plain as day, but it was in fact my brother's birthday they were celebrating, which is only a few days after mine. It still would have been traumatic for a 2 year old and understanding the difference between MY cake and his would be lost on a 2 year old. And wrong.

[Kevin]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

What is the earliest age of memory for most people, especially for allegedly traumatic events? I remember both good and bad things from when I was in preschool (4) and elementary school (5). I'm almost 40.

Is it unreasonable for an 11 year old to remember something from the age of 3? Not if grown adults can remember something from preschool and elementary school.

The issue would be having a detailed memory that includes the full context and correct interpretation/translation of events.

Memories at those young ages are very susceptible to modification.

http://faculty.washington.edu/eloftu...cles/sciam.htm

I've seen 4 year olds totally convinced that their father molested them. Fortuanately, in those cases, the forensic interview ruled it out. That doesn't mean that a well-researched parent couldn't train the kid up well enough to pass the interview.