Full Answer
Crimes are committed everywhere all the time. But a lot of these crimes go unpunished due mostly to the lack of evidence. Thankfully, there are eyewitnesses who can provide their accounts of the crimes committed. This is where eyewitness testimony becomes a crucial part of an investigation and litigation.
Most importantly, it can provide support of the criminal case filed in court, i.e., identifying the weapon used, offering additional information that will help the court identify the perpetrator, etc., persuading the judge and jurors to convict the suspect. 4. Eyewitness testimony is generally reliable. When the testimony is obtained and reported ...
Eyewitnesses are persons who witnessed a crime being committed against them or another person. In court, they will frequently be asked if they could identify the suspect.
Eyewitness testimony is generally reliable . When the testimony is obtained and reported right after the event took place, the witness’ memory is still fresh, which means that there is a higher chance that his or her account of the incident is still vivid in his or her mind. This makes his or her testimony more reliable.
1. Eyewitness testimony may not always be accurate. Several studies have been conducted in the past on human memory and on people’s capacity to remember events and details, some of which were erroneously recorded and stored in their minds.
Aside from that, it has been proven that retelling a story in a neutral fashion is rarely done, affecting one’s memory. Oftentimes, stories are retold in a way that is tailored to the listener, distorting the memory. 3. Eyewitness testimony can have parts that are made up by the witness due to nervousness or fear.
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Masters Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.