AUTHOR=Wise Richard A. , Sartori Giuseppe , Magnussen Svein , Safer Martin A. 

TITLE=An Examination of the Causes and Solutions to Eyewitness Error

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry

VOLUME=5

YEAR=2014

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00102

DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00102

ISSN=1664-0640

ABSTRACT=<p>Eyewitness error is one of the leading causes of wrongful convictions. In fact, the American Psychological Association estimates that one in three eyewitnesses make an erroneous identification. In this review, we look briefly at some of the causes of eyewitness error. We examine what jurors, judges, attorneys, law officers, and experts from various countries know about eyewitness testimony and memory, and if they have the requisite knowledge and skills to accurately assess eyewitness testimony. We evaluate whether legal safeguards such as voir dire, motion-to-suppress an identification, cross-examination, jury instructions, and eyewitness expert testimony are effective in identifying eyewitness errors. Lastly, we discuss solutions to eyewitness error.</p>