| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | International encyclopedia of the social and behavioral sciences |
| Editors | James D. Wright |
| Place of Publication | Oxford (UK) |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Pages | 642-649 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Volume | 8 |
| Edition | 2nd |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-0-08-097087-5, 978-0-08-097086-8 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Abstract
Eyewitnesses have always played a fundamental role in the legal process. However, eyewitness evidence is not always as reliable or as accurate as one might hope, given the weight that decision-makers often ascribe to it. In this article, we review some of the many factors that can determine the reliability of witness testimony, including factors that are, and those that are not, within the control of investigative and judicial processes. In doing so, we consider how policies might assist in ensuring that witness testimony can play the most effective and informative role in the legal process as possible.
Keywords
- beliefs
- weapon focus
- reliability
- postevent information
- misinformation effect
- memory
- Lineups
- jurors
- interview techniques
- feedback
- onfidence–accuracy relationship
- cognitive interview
- cowitnesses
- calibration