Sociology 3312A/B Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Eyewitness Identification, Eyewitness Memory, Suggestibility
6 Oct 2020
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Expert testimony: does eyewitness memory research have probative value for the. Eyewitnesses giving testimony since the late 16th century in english speaking courts. Expert testimony on eyewitness memory = recent + infrequent event: after the regina v mcintosh and mccarthy case, this practice was put on hold. Judge concludes expert testimony was no more than common knowledge, therefore of no assistance to jurors in deliberation. Inevitability of errors made by eyewitnesses = accepted in cad legal profession. Eyewitness misidentifications = most common cause of wrongful convictions. Next to confessions, eyewitness testimony = most incriminating evidence. Eyewitness evidence presented from well-meaning and confident citizens is highly persuasive but, at the same time, is among the least reliable forms of evidence. Different steps can be taken of course to minimize the chances of misidentifications, such as training the police in the proper use of interview techniques and identification procedures: however, they still do occur regardless.
