Calif. Justices Clear Way for Testimony on Domestic Abuse

Expert testimony on battered women's syndrome may be introduced at domestic violence trials, even in the absence of prior evidence of abuse, the California Supreme Court ruled Monday. Such evidence can be admitted, the court held, because the judge could use it in evaluating the credibility of a victim's courtroom testimony. A domestic violence counselor testified that 80 percent to 85 percent of battered women recant their testimony before or at trial.

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