Factors affecting the accuracy of eye witness testimonies

Question 1

For hundreds of years, what was the main form of evidence against people accused of crimes ?

Answer 1

Eye witness testimonies

Question 2

From the late 19th century what did forensic science begin to develop ?

Answer 2

• fingerprinting
• DNA
• CCTV which was often poor quality

Question 3

What is EWT regularly used as for courts to prove the guilt or innocence of the accused ?

Answer 3

Regularly used as a deciding factor

Question 4

What percentage do inaccurate
EWT account for incorrect convictions that were later found to be inncoent using DNA evidence ?

Answer 4

75%

Question 5

What has research also demonstrated that can lead to inaccurate EWT ?

Answer 5

The manipulation of EWT due to subsequent info e.g leading questions

Question 6

What is meant by misleading information?

Answer 6

Incorrect info given to they eyewitness after the event

Question 7

What is a leading question ?

Answer 7

Questions which are asked to suggest a likely answer

Question 8

What is a post-event discussion ?

Answer 8

Discussion after the event between the witnesses thatvcanninfluence the witnesses memory of it