Mastering the Art of Questioning

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What are some reasons why witnesses may be unwilling to cooperate?

Witnesses may be unwilling to cooperate due to fear of incrimination, desire to protect perpetrators, and fear of reprisals/revenge.

Why should information received from uncooperative witnesses be considered with caution?

Information received from uncooperative witnesses should be considered with caution as they may intentionally deceive or provide vague information.

What are some potential consequences of witnesses assisting with providing information?

Witnesses may face reprisals or revenge if they assist with providing information.

What are the two techniques that may be adopted during questioning?

Interviewing and Interrogation Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between interviews and interrogations?

Interviews take place as soon as possible after the incident, while interrogations usually take place at a later stage deliberately to give the interrogator enough time to gather as much information as possible. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended method for documenting details during interviews?

Audio-visual recordings Signup and view all the answers

What are three strategies/approaches that can be used during an interrogation?

Single purpose interrogation, pessimism interrogation, guilt feelings interrogation Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an eyewitness and a corroborative witness in a criminal investigation?

An eyewitness is a person who personally saw the crime transpire, while a corroborative witness is a person who can provide information about the circumstances surrounding a crime. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the evidence of an eyewitness given more weight during a trial?

The evidence of an eyewitness is given more weight during a trial because the witness was present and saw the suspect commit the crime. Signup and view all the answers

What additional information may be needed to support the assumption that the person seen running from the tuckshop committed the crime?

Additional information such as ballistic testing of the gun found on the suspect or gunshot residue testing on the suspect's hand may be needed to support the assumption that the person seen running from the tuckshop committed the crime. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between an eyewitness and a corroborative witness?

In the case of an eyewitness, their additional evidence adds value, while in the case of a corroborative witness, more evidence is required to support the conclusion of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Signup and view all the answers

How are unbiased independent witnesses characterized?

Unbiased independent witnesses are characterized as third-party witnesses who are in no way associated with the victim, suspect, or the crime. Signup and view all the answers

What is a PD?

A PD is a verbal description of the physical features of an alleged perpetrator (a physical description). Signup and view all the answers

What techniques are used to assist witnesses in providing accurate descriptions?

Supplementary techniques used to assist witnesses include comparisons and corresponding descriptions, criminal photograph albums, sketches by police artists, and composite pictures of the face (IdentiKits). Signup and view all the answers

What factors can influence a witness's ability to observe with accuracy?

Factors that can influence a witness's ability to observe with accuracy include eyesight, surrounding circumstances, exposure duration, emotional condition, previous experience, alcohol and/or drug intoxication, and mental health. Signup and view all the answers

How does the weapon-focus effect impact a witness's ability to recall the perpetrator's appearance?

The weapon-focus effect draws the witnesses' attention away from the perpetrator's appearance to the weapon, making it more difficult for them to accurately recall the perpetrator's details. Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of suggestion on a witness's memory?

Suggestion can lead to the creation of false memories in a witness through details picked up from external sources, such as other witnesses, newspapers, or the criminal investigator. Signup and view all the answers

How does prejudice and stereotyping affect eyewitness identifications?

Prejudice and stereotyping can influence a witness's perception and lead to less accurate identifications, particularly when it comes to identifying individuals of different races or sexes. Signup and view all the answers