A child who cannot understand questions or give rational answers may still testify unsworn if the evidence is corroborated.

The notes distinguish incompetence from unsworn testimony. Unsworn testimony may be available when a child passes the cognitive test but does not understand the oath and does understand the duty to speak truthfully. A child who fails the cognitive test is not competent to testify, so corroboration cannot cure that failure. **Key takeaway:** Corroboration does not make an incompetent child competent. **Glossary:** Cognitive test: assessment of understanding and rational response.