NCJ Number
207559
Journal
Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: 2004 Pages: 167-181
Date Published
2004
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article explores the main topics of interest in the field of legal psychology during the end of the last century.
Abstract
While the topics that could be covered in this article are vast, the author focuses on those topics within legal psychology that are familiar research issues within the field during the past approximately 10 years. Four key topics are focused upon: (1) the reliability of ear-witness testimony; (2) the utility of identity parades/line-ups; (3) the interviewing of criminal suspects by police; and (4) the interviewing of vulnerable witnesses/victims. The author reviews the current state of knowledge on these four topics and calls for greater attention to these areas in the 21st century. Given the fact that the testimony provided by legal psychologists in courts of law has a lasting impression on how future cases are tried and decided, it is crucial that more research be focused on the victims of crime, especially vulnerable victims. Particular attention should be paid to how these vulnerable victims are interviewed in court. Finally, the author calls upon the legal professionals, lawyers and judges, to gain greater knowledge of victims and their reactions and responses to crimes committed against them. Notes, references