EYEWITNESS IDENTIFICATION PROCEDURES: A STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS AND REFORMS

Abstract

Eyewitness identification is a critical element of the criminal justice system despite the fact that it leads to a majority of wrongful convictions because of the errors and biases that characterize it. Despite its central importance, current identification protocols systematically miss information sources that might otherwise prevent them from being reliable, such as system and estimator factors. This work fills a significant research void because it not only provide an assessment of extant processes but also offers practical recommendations aimed at reducing mistakes. Based on the findings of empirical and legal studies introduced in this work, we shall pinpoint procedural vulnerabilities and map suggestions for improvement. The objectives of this study are threefold: The primary goals of the current work can be divided into three objectives: (1) the investigation of relations between system and estimator factors on eyewitness accuracy; (2) the evaluation of existing procedural reforms including double-blind administering and sequential lineups; (3) the development of a variation checklist that would ensure the improved reliability and brightness of all criminal investigative procedures. If these reforms are put into practice, then there would be considerable decrease in the number of misidentification and more accountability to judicial processes.

Keywords: Eyewitness Identification, Lineup Procedure, System and Estimator Variables, Wrongful Convictions