Determining The Accuracy Of Testimony Of Eyewitnesses

6. What factors should be taken into account when evaluating the accuracy of testimony of eyewitnesses? (10 points) Eyewitness testimony plays a huge role in the courtroom for juries. There are several factors that should be taken into account when evaluating the accuracy of testimony of eyewitnesses; if the witness was able to see the offender, the level of the witness’s attention, how accurately the witness described the offender, the witness’s confidence, and the amount of time between seeing the crime and testifying against the perpetrator (Costanzo Krauss, 2015, p. 142). It’s important to consider if the witness was able to actually see the offender. The level of attention the witness had should also be considered. The witnesses’†¦show more content†¦When conducting lineups, the administrators must follow certain rules so that a situation like this doesn’t happen. For example, they shouldn’t comment on the witness’ answers and they should inform the witness that the real suspect might not even be in the current lineup. 8. Describe three research findings regarding improving eyewitness accuracy. (10 points) It is important to provide system variables when it comes to eyewitness testimony. Researcher Walsh (2013) suggests providing the witness photographs of the suspects in a sequential lineup rather than a simultaneous lineup. Fewer misidentifications result from simultaneous lineups. The reason for that could be due to the fact that the witness isn’t sitting down starring at a group of individuals for a long period of time comparing them. If the witness sees the suspects one at a time and is being asked to say yes or no to the images, then the witness is recognizing or not recognizing a face instantly. This tactic is important because the witness can really recall the perpetrator immediately rather than starring at too many faces for too long, which can affect the witness’ memory. Researcher Walsh (2013) also suggests that it is essential that the eyewitness administrator informs the witness that the suspect may not even be in the lineup. If the witness isn’t told this, then he/she assumes that the perpetrator is in the lineup and believingShow MoreRelatedTo What Extent is an Eyewitness Testimony Credible and Therefore be Used in Court?1732 Words   |  7 Pagesalike share a widespread belief that the single greatest cause of wrongful conviction is because of an eyewitness testimony. April 23, 2007, marked the 200th criminal conviction exonerated by DNA evidence in the United States of America. According to www.innocenceproject.org, over 75% of the 200 criminal cases revealed to be wrongful convictions involved a faulty eyewitness testimony. Collectively, these 200 people spent a total of 2,475 years in prison. With factors such as witness memory, dependabilityRead MoreHow Does The Brain Malfunctions Affect The Justice System?1246 Words   |  5 PagesOne of the procedures called lineups or photo arrays are used in order to have eyewitnesses identify a subject guilty of a crime. In the lineups, subjects are lined up while the accuser has t o choose an individual that they believe committed the crime. Using the same idea with the photo arrays, the victim will choose from a set of pictures of subjects (Weir, 2016). Many scientists question the validity of eyewitnesses because of all these factors that impact memories. This has lead to a substantialRead MoreEyewitness Testimony And Its Impact On The Outcome Of A Trial892 Words   |  4 PagesHow Accurate Are Eyewitness Testimonies? Have you ever been a witness to a crime? Would you feel comfortable if prosecutors relied on your eye witness testimony alone for a conviction? 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