The Psychology of Eyewitness Identification


Book Description

This volume provides a tutorial review and evaluation of scientific research on the accuracy and reliability of eyewitness identification. The book starts with the perspective that there are a variety of conceptual and empirical problems with eyewitness identification as a form of forensic evidence, just as there are a variety of problems with other forms of forensic evidence. There is then an examination of the important results in the study of eyewitness memory and the implications of this research for psychological theory and for social and legal policy. The volume takes the perspective that research on eyewitness identification can be seen as the paradigmatic example of how psychological science can be successfully applied to real-world problems.




Identifying the Culprit


Book Description

Identifying the Culprit: Assessing Eyewitness Identification makes the case that better data collection and research on eyewitness identification, new law enforcement training protocols, standardized procedures for administering line-ups, and improvements in the handling of eyewitness identification in court can increase the chances that accurate identifications are made. This report explains the science that has emerged during the past 30 years on eyewitness identifications and identifies best practices in eyewitness procedures for the law enforcement community and in the presentation of eyewitness evidence in the courtroom. In order to continue the advancement of eyewitness identification research, the report recommends a focused research agenda.




Eyewitness Testimony


Book Description

By shedding light on the many factors that can intervene and create inaccurate testimony, Elizabeth Loftus illustrates how memory can be radically altered by the way an eyewitness is questioned, and how new memories can be implanted and old ones changed in subtle ways.




Methods, Measures, and Theories in Eyewitness Identification Tasks


Book Description

Methods, Measures, and Theories in Eyewitness Recognition Tasks provides a comprehensive review of the fundamental issues surrounding eyewitness recognition phenomena alongside suggestions for developing a more methodologically rigorous eyewitness science. Over the past 40 years, the field of eyewitness science has seen substantial advancement in eyewitness identification procedures, yet theoretical and methodological developments have fallen behind. Featuring contributions from prominent international scholars, this book examines methodological and theoretical limitations and explores important topics, including how to increase the accuracy of identifying perpetrators when using CCTV images, how to create more identifiable facial composites, and the differences in accuracy between younger and older eyewitnesses. Providing in-depth discussion on the limitations of traditional lineups, eyewitness memory fallibility, and the complications that arise when using laboratory simulations, along with suggestions for new methods, this book will be an invaluable resource for researchers in eyewitness recognition, lawyers, players in the criminal justice system, members of innocence commissions, and researchers with interests in cognitive psychology.




Mistaken Identification


Book Description

Examines traditional safeguards against mistaken eyewitness identification.




Picking Cotton


Book Description

The New York Times best selling true story of an unlikely friendship forged between a woman and the man she incorrectly identified as her rapist and sent to prison for 11 years. Jennifer Thompson was raped at knifepoint by a man who broke into her apartment while she slept. She was able to escape, and eventually positively identified Ronald Cotton as her attacker. Ronald insisted that she was mistaken-- but Jennifer's positive identification was the compelling evidence that put him behind bars. After eleven years, Ronald was allowed to take a DNA test that proved his innocence. He was released, after serving more than a decade in prison for a crime he never committed. Two years later, Jennifer and Ronald met face to face-- and forged an unlikely friendship that changed both of their lives. With Picking Cotton, Jennifer and Ronald tell in their own words the harrowing details of their tragedy, and challenge our ideas of memory and judgment while demonstrating the profound nature of human grace and the healing power of forgiveness.




Eyewitness Testimony


Book Description




Identification Evidence


Book Description




Eyewitness Evidence


Book Description




Evaluating Eyewitness Identification


Book Description

Forensic mental health assessment (FMHA) has grown into a specialization informed by research and professional guidelines. This series presents up-to-date information on the most important and frequently conducted forms of FMHA. The 19 topical volumes address best approaches to practice for particular types of evaluation in the criminal, civil, and juvenile/family areas. Each volume contains a thorough discussion of the relevant legal and psychological concepts, followed by a step-by-step description of the assessment process from preparing for the evaluation to writing the report and testifying in court. Volumes include the following helpful features: · Boxes that zero in on important information for use in evaluations · Tips for best practice and cautions against common pitfalls · Highlighting of relevant case law and statutes · Separate list of assessment tools for easy reference · Helpful glossary of key terms for the particular topic In making recommendations for best practice, authors consider empirical support, legal relevance, and consistency with ethical and professional standards. These volumes offer invaluable guidance for anyone involved in conducting or using forensic evaluations.