Criminal Law Module 8 - How Eyewitnesses Get It Wrong in Criminal

Criminal Law Questions

M08 Eyewitness Testimony - Video Questions (Chapter 8) / 3 Points View the Al Jazeera video, "How Eyewitnesses Get It Wrong in Criminal Cases", provided here and answer the questions noted below. Answers for each question are found in specific excerpts of the film. I encourage you to take notes while watching the documentary.  Example:

1. Findings concerning the unreliability of eyewitness accounts have led researchers to devise methods for improving retrieval. One of these methods is known as:  

A: Cognitive Interviewing

Questions:

1. In computerized facial recognition tests like the one administered by psychologist Nancy Franklin, what is the percentage of people who falsely identify the wrong person? What happens when the individual being identified is a person of color?

2. As of this video, how many states have already reformed their way of handling eyewitness evidence?

3. According to cognitive neuroscientist Itiel Dror, what is the biggest danger when dealing with eyewitness testimony in a criminal court of law?

4. Since forensic examiners work closely with the prosecution team, what is the procedure cited by Dr. Dror that needs to change if the criminal justice system is going to eliminate courtroom bias?

5. With regard to forensics examiners, what is the solution to biased testimony in court?