Eyewitness Testimony Accuracy

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following practices violates the principle of presenting a fair lineup to a witness?

Using a double-blind procedure during the lineup.
Presenting only one suspect at a time.
Placing the suspect in a lineup with fillers who are noticeably shorter and younger. (correct)
Ensuring the suspect does not unduly stand out from other fillers.

Why is it critical to obtain an immediate confidence statement from a witness after they have made an identification?

To prevent the witness's confidence from being influenced by external factors. (correct)
To ensure the witness feels supported, regardless of their identification.
To allow the witness to reflect on their decision.
To comply with legal requirements for documenting witness statements.

In the context of eyewitness identification, what does a 'double-blind procedure' refer to?

Neither the administrator nor the witness knows who the suspect is. (correct)
The lineup is conducted in a darkened room to reduce bias.
Both the witness and the suspect are unaware of each other's identities.
The witness is blindfolded during the lineup.

Which of the following instructions given to a witness during a lineup would be considered biased?

"We believe we have caught the person who committed the crime, so please take a look at the lineup." (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to guidelines for conducting fair lineups, why is it important to present only one suspect at a time?

To prevent witnesses from comparing lineup members and making a relative judgment. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In Manson v. Braithwaite (1977), what factor assesses the clarity and focus of the witness during the crime?

Degree of attention. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which Manson criterion considers the environmental and situational factors that influenced what the witness saw?

Opportunity to view the suspect (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to the Manson criteria, what aspect of the witness's statement is evaluated to determine its reliability?

The accuracy of their prior description of the suspect. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the Manson criteria is most directly affected by memory decay?

Time elapsed. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the 'level of certainty' expressed by a witness factor into the evaluation of eyewitness testimony, according to the Manson criteria?

It is considered alongside other factors to assess the overall reliability of the testimony. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of using a lineup where the suspect does not stand out?

To reduce the likelihood of a mistaken identification due to suggestiveness. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is obtaining an immediate confidence statement important in eyewitness testimony?

It captures the witness's initial level of certainty, unbiased by external factors. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason unbiased instructions are necessary for witnesses during a lineup?

To prevent witnesses from feeling pressured to make an identification. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of eyewitness testimony, why is the 'opportunity to view the suspect' considered a critical factor?

It assesses whether the witness had a clear and unobstructed view during the crime. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the Manson criteria, what does 'degree of attention' refer to in the context of eyewitness testimony?

How closely the witness observed the suspect and the surrounding events. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the Manson criteria assesses the witness's ability to accurately describe the suspect before any identification procedures?

Accuracy of prior description. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the length of time that has passed since the event an important consideration when evaluating eyewitness testimony?

Memories can fade or become distorted over time. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How might a high 'level of certainty' from an eyewitness be misleading in evaluating the accuracy of their testimony?

Confidence is not necessarily correlated with accuracy and can be influenced by external factors. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does using a double-blind procedure in a lineup contribute to the fairness and reliability of eyewitness identification?

It prevents the administrator from knowing which lineup member is the suspect, reducing unintentional cues. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence of providing biased instructions to an eyewitness before they view a lineup?

It can increase the risk of a false identification, even if the actual perpetrator is not present. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Single-Suspect Lineup

Present only one suspect at a time during a lineup to avoid relative judgment.

Fair Lineup Composition

Ensure the suspect does not unduly stand out from other lineup members.

Unbiased Instructions

Provide unbiased instructions to the witness, clarifying that the suspect may or may not be present.

Double-Blind Procedure

Conduct the lineup using a double-blind procedure, so neither the administrator nor the witness knows the suspect's identity.