9.1: Overview, Objectives, and Key Terms
Overview
In Chapter 10, we examine eyewitness testimony, forensic evidence, and expert testimony. Eyewitness testimony is often thought of as valid evidence, and most time it is. However, research is demonstrating that human memory can be fallible and may result in misidentification. Many factors influence misidentification and often it is not purposeful. It can result from the way our brain stores memories, it could be from the way the eyewitness is interviewed, or through misinformation. Forensic evidence is vital to many criminal investigations. It has been invaluable in not only solving violent crimes, but also non-violent crimes such as computer hacking and fraud and embezzlement. Forensic evidence often requires expert testimony to provide the court with detailed and specific information to the court. They are often called on to be expert witnesses or hired as consultants to contribute specialized knowledge and advice in their field of expertise. This chapter will explore legal aspects of forensic evidence and the need for expert witnesses.
- Explain the impact of memory storage, suggestibility, and the misinformation effect has on witness accuracy.
- Explain false memories and how this affects the reliance on eyewitness testimony.
- Identify the main steps in crime scene management (STAIR)
- Identify the legal aspects of forensic evidence.
- Identify how had DNA has impacted the criminal court process.
- Explain what an expert witness is, and what are their roles and responsibilities in the criminal court process.
Key Terms
memory construction, memory reconstruction, suggestibility, eyewitness misidentification, misinformation effect, repressed memories, false memories, physical evidence, forensic evidence, criminal investigation, DNA analysis, nucleotides - cytosine, guanine, thymine, adenine, expert testimony