How do eyewitness testimonies affect criminal cases?

Eyewitness testimony is often considered crucial evidence in criminal cases, but it is not always reliable. Eyewitnesses may misremember events, be influenced by leading questions, or be subject to biases. As a result, the use of eyewitness testimony in criminal cases has been the subject of much debate and research.

Despite its potential flaws, eyewitness testimony is often considered one of the most compelling forms of evidence in a criminal case. Juries tend to place great weight on the testimony of eyewitnesses, especially when the witness seems confident and sure of what they saw. This can make it difficult for defense attorneys to challenge the testimony of eyewitnesses.

However, recent research has shown that eyewitness testimony is not always accurate. In fact, eyewitness misidentification is the leading cause of wrongful convictions in the United States. As a result, many jurisdictions have implemented reforms to improve the reliability of eyewitness testimony. These reforms may include instructions to jurors on the fallibility of eyewitness testimony, changes to police line-up procedures, or the use of expert witnesses to provide context and explain the limitations of eyewitness testimony.