McMartin Preschool

The McMartin Preschool case was a highly publicized criminal investigation in the 1980s involving allegations of severe child abuse and Satanic rituals at a Los Angeles-area preschool. Initially, many children reported inappropriate behaviors, leading to extensive legal proceedings. However, subsequent investigations and evaluations found little evidence of abuse, and many charges were dropped or dismissed. The case highlighted issues about false allegations, the reliability of child testimony, and media influence, making it a landmark example of how complex and sensitive child abuse investigations can be. It remains a significant case study in legal, psychological, and media ethics discussions.