Masters in Forensic Science Thesis and PowerPointEyewitness Testimony: How Accurate is it?
Title: Eyewitness Testimony: How Accurate is it?
Problem Statement
Eyewitness testimony and the identification are playing an imperative part for proving the crime commitment (Graham, 2003). However, as per the researchers and various experts in the same field, they do not perceive eyewitness testimony and identification as a very authentic one due to its major dependencies. Eyewitness testimony and identification majorly depend upon the inherent sense of the human being and also his memory with the help of which witness remembers the perceptions or the scenario which happened in front of his eyes (Wonsowicz, 2012). Nevertheless, a study has presented different results from the last statement, which suggests, that in 99.5% of cases, the courts have been making the right decision of conviction by taking the witness testimony and their identification into account (Vollen, 2005). However, it does not resolve the problem, as 0.5% of wrong convictions in the cases suggests that there were 11,000 punishments given to the innocent people, which they did not commit considering the statistics of the United States of America only (Vollen, 2005). The number is quite devastating and there should be some precautions, which the courts should take into account to lower this number and assure that there, are no persons in the light of law who gets unjust punishment.
Purpose and Objectives of the Study
The purpose of this study is the determine which factors affect the accuracy and reliability of eyewitness testimony and identification when used in court to prosecute a suspect.
The objectives to meet through this study include:
To explore the many factors that may or may not contribute to the way an eyewitness recalls information regarding a crime and whether or not it can be used in court.
Discussing the possible independent and dependent variables and factors that can determine whether or not an eyewitnesses’ testimony or identification can be considered accurate and/or reliable.
How the competency of an eyewitness can be determined and used to support the reliability of the testimony and/or identification.
Discussing how the presence of DNA plays a significant role in the matter of wrongful convictions.
Gathering information on past research experiments to provide data to support whether or not my hypotheses are correct or incorrect.
Research Hypotheses
Hypothesis 1
Witness confidence has a greater impact on the accuracy and reliability of the eyewitness testimony and suspect identification than any other independent variable.
Hypothesis 2
The number of overturned wrongful convictions increases with the presence of DNA evidence.
Hypothesis 3
The reliability of eyewitness testimony and identification of a suspect is negatively affected by certain factors such as stress, focus of weapon, memory compromise, and cross-gender and cross race identifications.
Hypothesis 4
A higher rate of accuracy when it comes to eye witness testimony can significantly decrease the number of wrongful convictions.
