Authors: Jennifer L. Devenport, Veronica Stinson, Brian L. Cutler, and
David A. Kravitz
Title: How effective are the cross-examination and expert
testimony safeguards? Jurors' perceptions of the suggestiveness and fairness of biased lineup procedures
Source: Journal of Applied Psychology, 87, 1042-1054. 2002.
Abstract:
Mock-jurors (N = 800) viewed a videotaped trial that included information
about a lineup identification procedure. Suggestiveness of the eyewitness identification
procedure varied in terms of foil, instruction, and presentation biases. Expert
testimony regarding the factors that influence lineup suggestiveness was also
manipulated. Criteria included juror ratings of lineup suggestiveness and fairness,
ratings of defendant culpability, and verdicts. Jurors were sensitive to foil
bias, but only minimally sensitive to instruction and presentation biases. Expert
testimony enhanced juror sensitivity only to instruction bias. These results have
implications for the effectiveness of cross-examination and expert testimony as
safeguards against erroneous convictions resulting from mistaken identifications.
back
to publications