They are adolescents, too young to drive, still dependent on their parents, most just reaching puberty. But on Wednesday, they held a room full of adults captive by their words and the fate of a former classmate in their hands. The students, all between the ages of 12 and 14, are among the only eyewitnesses to the shooting. As such, their testimony could prove crucial. In a trial dominated by youths, their words will be weighed by jurors ranging in age from 31 to 55.
Experts say no.
By the time children reach age 12, they are no more or less likely than adults to embellish their statements or lie. That being said, however, adults aren't all that accurate. As time fades, all witnesses forget some details of the events, and some remember them differently, Bjorklund said. Our memories can be constructed. From the start, the testimony from Brazill's former classmates was spiked with drama.