Stuff You Should Know Selects: How Police Lineups Work
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Jul 15, 2023 Dive into the world of police lineups and discover how they really work compared to Hollywood portrayals. The discussion uncovers the psychological effects on witnesses and the risks of flawed memories leading to wrongful convictions. Learn about the significance of unbiased lineup methods and the challenges faced by law enforcement in real scenarios. With a mix of humor and serious analysis, the episode highlights the urgency for reform in eyewitness identification and the vital role organizations play in advocating for justice.
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Jerry Miller's Wrongful Conviction
- Jerry Miller was wrongfully convicted in 1981 based on eyewitness testimony, serving 24 years.
- He was exonerated by DNA evidence in 2007, highlighting the flaws of eyewitness accounts and lineups.
Imperfect System
- Police lineups are an imperfect system due to the fallibility of human memory.
- While improvements can be made, the inherent limitations of eyewitness identification remain.
Eyewitness Limitations
- Eyewitnesses aren't human video recorders; they don't perfectly record every detail.
- Our brains prioritize threat assessment over memory formation in everyday situations.