Threats to Scientifically Based Standards in Sex Offense Proceedings: Progress and the Interests of Alleged Victims in Jeopardy

Abstract

In the past, empirical research findings from psy- chosciences contributed to avoiding erroneous judgments and decisions in criminal proceedings. However, for some time now, developments have arisen that threaten to reverse the achievement at the turn of the millennium that introduced a clear scientific orientation into sex offense proceedings. This article highlights five retrograde deve- lopments and uses three examples to illustrate how these developments can interact and, in particular, offer a pur- ported explanation for a lack of memory of experienced abuse. This creates a breeding ground for the formation of false memories that cause suffering in both psychotherapy and criminal proceedings, and it significantly increases the risk of erroneous decisions in criminal proceedings on sex offenses in German-speaking countries.