Opinion ID: 2636693
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 13

Heading: Critique of Finding Words Protocol

Text: For Wells' third claim of error, he contends Nichols should have been allowed to state her specific criticisms of the Finding Words protocol used by Detective Runyan. Defense counsel indicated that Nichols would have provided general criticisms of the program based on the content of its website and her general knowledge. This criticism would have included, among other things, that the program is for profit; that the website reflects no research or peer-reviewed articles; that the program is sponsored by the Association of Prosecutors Research Institute; that it was established by Cornerhouse; that the protocol does not have the criteria of other protocols; and that the protocol is secret. Consequently, Nichols would have testified that these factors make it difficult for researchers to compare the Finding Words protocol with other protocols. Although the State does not dispute that Nichols is an expert in clinical/adolescent psychology, it argued that Nichols did not have sufficient knowledge to testify about the Finding Words protocol. She had never been to the training course and had never read its protocol. Her only information came from reading the Finding Words website and from a colleague who had previously used this particular protocol. The trial court held that Nichols did not have sufficient knowledge of whether the Finding Words Protocol is a valid method because her knowledge was limited to a review of the website and discussions with a colleague. As set forth above, K.S.A. 60-456 limits expert opinion or inference testimony to such opinions as the judge finds are ... (2) within the scope of the special knowledge, skill, experience or training possessed by the witness. We agree with the trial court's analysis and holding under 60-456. At the time of trial, Nichols did not have special knowledge about whether the Finding Words protocol is a valid interviewing method. The court properly limited her testimony to a discussion of what is required by other interviewing protocols. Moreover, even though Nichols was not allowed to testify critically about the Finding Words protocol, we agree with the State that the record reveals Wells was able to present evidence to the jury indicating that the program was suspect. Most important is Runyan's admission that this protocol is not verified by the scientific community, in apparent contrast to the other five protocols testified to by Nichols, e.g., the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Medical Association. Of additional significance is his admission that the Finding Words protocol does not require him to ascertain whether a child knows the difference between telling the truth and telling a lie. Accordingly, he did not attempt to assess with [C.B.] if she knew the difference between telling a story and telling truth.