§15-25-37. Factors in considering trustworthiness of statement.  


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  • In determining whether a statement possesses particularized guarantees of trustworthiness under Section 15-25-32(2)b, the court shall consider any one, but is not limited to, the following factors:

    (1) The child's personal knowledge of the event;

    (2) The age and maturity of the child;

    (3) Certainty that the statement was made, including the credibility of the person testifying about the statement;

    (4) Any apparent motive the child may have to falsify or distort the event, including bias, corruption, or coercion;

    (5) The timing of the child's statement;

    (6) Whether more than one person heard the statement;

    (7) Whether the child was suffering from pain or distress when making the statement;

    (8) The nature and duration of any alleged abuse;

    (9) Whether the child's young age makes it unlikely that the child fabricated a statement that represents a graphic, detailed account beyond the child's knowledge and experience;

    (10) Whether the statement has a "ring of verity," has an internal consistency or coherence, and uses terminology appropriate to the child's age;

    (11) Whether the statement is spontaneous or directly responsive to questions;

    (12) Whether the statement is suggestive due to improperly leading questions;

    (13) Whether extrinsic evidence exists to show the defendant's opportunity to commit the act complained of in the child's statement.

(Acts 1989, No. 89-876, p. 1754, §7.)