NCJ Number
90642
Journal
American Psychologist Dated: (May 1983) Pages: 564-572
Date Published
1983
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Should psychologists present in court information concerning the psychological research on eyewitness testimony?
Abstract
This article suggests that documented cases of convictions of innocent people based on faulty eyewitness accounts conservatively tell us that there is room for improvement in our legal procedures. One suggested improvement is to educate jurors through expert testimony. Nearly a century of research has been conducted on the psychological factors that influence the accuracy and completeness of eyewitness accounts. Although our knowledge is not perfect, and undoubtedly never will be, it can still be useful in clarifying commonly held misconceptions. Further research will shed light on what forms of expertise can best provide the needed improvement. (Author abstract)