The Evolving Law of Alleged Delayed Memories of Childhood Sexual Abuse

Abstract

Court cases based on recovered memories raise serious ethical and legal issues. This article will address the background of the recovered memory controversy from a legal perspective, and discuss general legal issues in repressed memory cases. Based on rulings in many of these cases, the article concludes with suggestions on steps that therapists can take to minimize their liability exposure when treating patients who report delayed memories of childhood sexual abuse.

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