State v. Hungerford
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Summary

The NH Supreme Court held testimony based on “recovered” repressed memories was inadmissible because the phenomenon lacks sufficient scientific reliability and acceptance, especially where therapy techniques may have shaped memories.

1997 | State Juristiction

State v. Hungerford

Keywords NH Supreme Court; repressed memories; recovered memories; inadmissible testimony; scientific reliability; therapy techniques; shaped memories; memory admissibility; legal precedent; expert testimony
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Summary

The New Hampshire Supreme Court determined that testimony relying on "recovered" repressed memories could not be presented in court. This decision was based on the finding that the concept of repressed memories lacks adequate scientific reliability and widespread acceptance, particularly when therapeutic methods might have influenced the formation of such memories.

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Summary

The New Hampshire Supreme Court decided that testimony based on "recovered" repressed memories could not be used in court. This decision was made because the scientific basis and acceptance of such memories are not strong enough, particularly when therapeutic methods might have influenced how these memories were formed.

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Summary

The New Hampshire Supreme Court decided that testimony based on memories that were "recovered" after being repressed cannot be used in court. This is because there is not enough reliable scientific evidence to support the idea of repressed and recovered memories. The court was especially concerned that therapy methods might have influenced or created these memories.

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Summary

The highest court in New Hampshire decided that statements about forgotten memories, which were later "remembered," cannot be used in court. This is because there is not enough scientific proof that these kinds of memories are real or accurate. This is especially true when therapy methods might have changed how someone remembers things.

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Footnotes and Citation

Cite

State v. Hungerford, 142 N.H. 110 (1997)

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