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Evidence Keyed to Best
State v. Spigarolo
Citation:
556 A.2d 112 (1989).Facts
Hobgood was charged with the sexual abuse of a minor. The child victim told a babysitter about the abuse, then was later taken to a therapist (Detotto), who the child saw over the course of the next year. The child’s story remained consistent throughout therapy with Detotto. At Hobgood’s trial, Detotto was called as an expert witness to testify as to her personal experience providing therapy to child sexual assault victims, and specifically the credibility of this child victim. Detotto testified that the victim appeared credible, based on her experience, and further testified that the victim’s story was consistent throughout treatment. Defense counsel objected to this line of questioning, arguing Detotto’s testimony was usurping the role of the jury, but the trial judge overruled this objection.
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