Stuff You Should Know How Eyewitness Testimony Works(?)
Jul 25, 2019
Eyewitness testimony can be fascinating but is often shockingly unreliable. The podcast dives into how memory can lead to wrongful convictions, particularly in serious cases like death row. It examines the influence of external factors on recollection and the importance of DNA evidence that has exonerated many. Insightful stories highlight the emotional impact of misidentification and the need for reform in the justice system. Listeners also hear personal tales about grief and community, weaving deeper themes of connection throughout.
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Hit and Run
- Chuck Bryant's friends were hit by a hit-and-run driver.
- Despite video evidence, police said they need an eyewitness to identify the driver.
Eyewitness Testimony's Power and Fallibility
- Eyewitness testimony is the gold standard in the American justice system.
- However, it's unreliable, as people can unknowingly give false testimony while believing it's true.
1959 Paper on Memory
- A 1959 paper suggested most people have "competent" memories for legal purposes.
- This reflects the American justice system's reliance on eyewitness testimony, even if inaccurate.
