The Use of Charts and Models to Facilitate a Physician's Testimony in Court

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Abstract
The results of a survey of pediatricians who are members of the Sections on Child Abuse and Emergency Medicine of the American Academy of Pediatrics indicated that the most stressful task, relative to child maltreatment involvement, was appearance in court. Physicians may refrain from recognizing and reporting child abuse to avoid this perceived stress. If the physician approaches testimony as a teacher who is prepared to communicate with a lay audience, this familiar role may help to decrease stress and assure that the judge and jury comprehend complex medical findings. Increased understanding also should assure that justice is served. Charts and models that have been found useful in explaining medical aspects of physical and sexual abuse during court testimony are described. Meeting with attorneys prior to court appearance and review of feedback about the quality of testimony from attorneys can be used to improve testimony.

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