Authors: Veronica Stinson, Jennifer L. Devenport, Brian L. Cutler and David A. Kravitz.
Title: How effective is the motion-to-suppress safeguard? Judges' perceptions of the suggestiveness and fairness of biased lineup procedures.
Source: Journal of Applied Psychology, 82, 211-220. 1997.
Abstract:
The motion-to-suppress safeguard is designed to prevent false eyewitness identifications
from leading to wrongful convictions. This safeguard is effective only if judges
are sensitive to factors that influence lineup suggestiveness. The present study
assessed judge sensitivity to foil, instruction, and presentation biases. Judges
(N = 99) read a description of a hypothetical crime, perpetrator, and identification
procedure followed by a motion to suppress the identification. Judges completed
a questionnaire in which they ruled on the motion and rated the lineup's suggestiveness
and fairness. Foil bias and instruction bias influenced judges' rulings and
lineup evaluations as predicted. Hypotheses concerning presentation bias were
not supported. These results suggest that judges are somewhat sensitive to lineup
suggestiveness but there is room for improvement.
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