Inaccurate Eyewitness Reports

Crime is a big issue in today's society that leads into consequences that include court and trials. Eyewitness reports are suppose to identify the suspect right there and then. Yet, this isn't happening; Eyewitnesses are not making the right call. We really don't give it much thought into this but it is happening a lot in the court rooms of the United States for quite a while. We need to put an end to this big issue before it really gets out of hand.

In trials today many of the eyewitnesses are show a lineup of look alike criminals which include the real suspect and are told to choose the criminal. But yet they aren't making the correct choice. Many courts leave it up to the defense lawyers to discredit eyewitnesses through cross examination. (Gibeaut) This may include with random line ups of the same suspects yet in different clothes and different order in the lineup. The big mistake is that the eyewitness is choosing look a likes and are sending innocent people to prison. Eyewitnesses should be informed that the culprit might not be in the lineup. (Wells) That's a good start so that the eyewitness won't make the mistake in choosing the wrong suspect. The suspect should not stand out as a distinctive member of the lineup. (Wells) They should all be wearing the same clothes and accessories, for example: if one was wearing a hat in the scene of the crime they all should in the lineup. This would allow the Eyewitness not to eliminate on that isn't wearing the hat. Lineups should be administered by someone who does not know which person is the suspect. (Wells) That tends to lead to false convictions. Eyewitnesses should be asked how certain they are of their choice prior to allowing information to contaminate their judgments. (Wells) That way they think twice of how they eliminate their choices.

Incorrect eyewitness testimony convicts or helped to convict, most former prisoners who have been cleared by DNA in recent years, Among them are three Virginians; Wilson Snyder, ED Honaker, and Troy Webb, all freed after been imprisoned for rape. (Green) Now that's a big issue considering the fact that this eyewitness saw the crime. My theory is that if there is no video footage it shouldn't