| Abstract: | Young children testify as witnesses with increasing frequency. This article describes the law regarding children's competence to testify. The article focuses on: (1) the elements of testimonial competence, including perception, memory, understanding the difference between the truth and a lie, and understanding the duty to tell the truth in court; (2) the requirement of personal knowledge of relevant facts; and (3) the requirement that the child take a religious oath or a secular affirmation. |
