NCJ Number
107792
Editor(s)
L S Wrightsman,
C E Willis,
S M Kassin
Date Published
1987
Length
312 pages
Annotation
These 16 empirical studies and literature reviews focus on the following 5 controversial issues related to courtroom testimony of witnesses: (1) lie detection and polygraph testing, (2) use of hypnosis to refresh witnesses' memory, (3) accuracy of eyewitnesses, (4) testimony of expert witnesses, and (5) use of cameras in the courtroom.
Abstract
The papers first appeared in psychological journals and law reviews and were written by clinical and social psychologists, experimental psychologists, and journalists. Accompanying the articles on each topic are introductions and summaries written by the volume's editors. Individual papers discuss the scientific research and public controversies about the validity of polygraph testing, the detection of deception, the use of hypnosis as an aid in a homicide investigation, and hypnosis and distortion in eyewitness memory. Additional papers examine the effectiveness of hypnotic memory enhancement in eyewitnesses, the use of cognitive retrieval mnemonics or hypnosis in police interviews of eyewitnesses, and research on visual memory and face recall. Further papers consider the effects of the use of television cameras on jurors and public opinion on the psychological and legal aspects of televising rape trials. Chapter figures, tables, photographs, and references.