Full Description
This book summarizes the research on how well children can describe an event and perpetrator, which is a recall task, and how well they can identify the perpetrator in person or in photographs, which is a recognition task.
Every year, numerous crimes involving child eyewitnesses occur. In some cases, children are the only eyewitnesses, which makes their testimony especially critical for solving the cases. But how reliable is child eyewitness evidence? Joanna Pozzulo argues that although children may be less advanced in these skills than adults, they nonetheless can provide invaluable evidence. She interprets the research in light of developmental theories and notes its practical implications for forensic investigations. Interviewing techniques that facilitate accurate recall are presented, as are lineup techniques that facilitate accurate recognition. This book is an essential resource for all forensic investigators.
Contents
Introduction
Overview of Forensic Concepts
Ability of Young Eyewitnesses to Describe a Person
Techniques to Improve the Amount and Accuracy of Recall Information
Effects of Lineup Construction and Procedures
Other Factors Influencing the Young Eyewitness' Identification Accuracy
Why Recall and Identification Abilities Differ Between Young and Adult Eyewitnesses
Relation Between Describing the Perpetrator and Identifying the Perpetrator
Jurors' Perceptions of the Young Eyewitness
Policy Implications
Future Directions for Young Eyewitness Research
References
Index
About the Author
