Which factor is not generally considered when assessing a child’s competency to testify?

• A. Memory.
• B. Language ability.
• C. Suggestibility.
• D. Physical strength.

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that a child’s ability to testify rests on cognitive and communication skills, not physical attributes. Competency to testify is about understanding the obligation to tell the truth, recalling events, and being able to convey them clearly. Physical strength doesn’t influence any of those abilities, so it isn’t a factor in determining competency.

Memory matters because it gauges how accurately the child can recall and recount events. Language ability matters because it affects whether the child can understand questions and express answers clearly. Suggestibility matters because a child who is easily influenced may provide testimony that isn’t truly their own account, raising reliability concerns. Since physical strength does not affect truth-telling understanding, recall, or communication, it’s not generally considered when assessing competency.