Why Is Eyewitness Testimony Unreliable
When investigating a crime that has occurred, law enforcement officers in Delafield, and throughout Wisconsin, often look for eyewitnesses. The statements of people who saw a crime have long been viewed as some of the most accurate sources of proof. Judges and juries are quick to believe the testimony of people who claim to have seen first hand what happened, and who was involved. Research shows, however, that the testimony of eyewitnesses is not always as dependable as it seems.
Often, eyewitnesses misremember events and misidentify people. This has resulted in the wrongful convictions of many innocent people. Scientific American reports that 239 convictions have been overturned since the introduction of DNA evidence in the 1990s. Eyewitness testimony contributed to 73 percent of the …show more content…
There is a common misconception that the human mind works much like a video recorder. People believe that memories are recorded and can be played back and recalled exactly as they happened. However, that is not the case. In fact, there is much subjectivity in how people remember events that occurred. As such, there are numerous factors, which may impact the accuracy and reliability of eyewitness testimony. In general, these factors are separated into two categories – estimator variables and system variables.
Estimator variables
Estimator variables are factors that can impact a person’s ability to observe and recollect events. These variables cannot, however, be controlled by the criminal justice system, according to the American Bar Association. Some of the most common estimator variables include the following:
• The age of the witness
• The lighting in the area where the crime occurred
• The distance between the witness and the crime’s perpetrator
• The length of time that the witness had to view the perpetrator of the crime
• The level of the witness’ intoxication
• If the witness is of a different race than the crime’s
Often, eyewitnesses misremember events and misidentify people. This has resulted in the wrongful convictions of many innocent people. Scientific American reports that 239 convictions have been overturned since the introduction of DNA evidence in the 1990s. Eyewitness testimony contributed to 73 percent of the …show more content…
There is a common misconception that the human mind works much like a video recorder. People believe that memories are recorded and can be played back and recalled exactly as they happened. However, that is not the case. In fact, there is much subjectivity in how people remember events that occurred. As such, there are numerous factors, which may impact the accuracy and reliability of eyewitness testimony. In general, these factors are separated into two categories – estimator variables and system variables.
Estimator variables
Estimator variables are factors that can impact a person’s ability to observe and recollect events. These variables cannot, however, be controlled by the criminal justice system, according to the American Bar Association. Some of the most common estimator variables include the following:
• The age of the witness
• The lighting in the area where the crime occurred
• The distance between the witness and the crime’s perpetrator
• The length of time that the witness had to view the perpetrator of the crime
• The level of the witness’ intoxication
• If the witness is of a different race than the crime’s