NCJ Number
144408
Journal
Law and Human Behavior Volume: 17 Issue: 4 Dated: (August 1993) Pages: 423- 437
Date Published
1993
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article reviews recent research on eyewitness identification in terms of its adequacy (reliability and validity) to support expert testimony in court.
Abstract
These studies have examined the influence of showups, stress, the question of weapon focus, and the phenomenon of unconscious transference on eyewitness accounts. The author concludes that the scientific basis for eyewitness identification is generally inadequate and that research in the field has served merely to strengthen these arguments. Guidelines for future research presented here emphasize the need for more scientifically qualified, careful, balanced, and prudent presentation; the urgency of avoiding misrepresentation of study results; and the need to state all limitations and qualifiers on the testimony that is given. 52 references