Observations Chapter 1

How info is processed in brain The Problem with Eyewitness Testimony

Eyewitness accounts Vary considerably from one person to another Depends on level of interest, stress, concentration, amount and kind of distraction present Prejudices, personal beliefs, motives affect what we see Memory fades with time, brains fill in details with what we feel are appropriate but may not be accurate Decrease accuracy in recalling a crime Testimony is powerful in persuading jury…should it be? important to know shortcomings of eyewitness testimony

Innocence Project Ronald Cotton 1 Ronald Cotton 2 Barry C. Scheck and Peter J. Neufeld (1992) Yeshiva University in New York Reexamine post-conviction cases using DNA evidence to provide conclusive proof of guilt or innocence Faulty eyewitness identification contributed up to 87% of wrongful convictions Innocence Project - Barry Scheck

How to be a good observer We know that we are not naturally inclined to pay attention to all of the details of our surroundings. Look systematically at everything at a crime scene or at evidence. We know that we are naturally inclined to filter out information we assume is unimportant. Consciously observe everything, no matter how small or how familiar, no matter what our emotions or previous experiences. We know that we are naturally inclined to interpret what we see, to look for patterns, and make connections. Concentrate first and foremost on gathering all available information and don’t jump to conclusions. We know that our memories are faulty. Photograph and document everything! How do you stack up?

Forensic Science Application of science to court or criminal matters Forensic Scientists – find, examine, and evaluate evidence from a crime scene Make observations Apply scientific knowledge for crime scene analysis Communicate findings to jury Typically specify in a field such as ballistics, pathology, blood spatter, anthropology, entomology, etc.

What is Forensic Science? Read the supplemental packet. Write a response to the reading answering the following question: If you were to choose one of the listed specialties in Forensic Science, which would you choose and why? Points will be given for specificity linking your interests to the career of choice. Find one example of how your chosen specialty has helped solve a crime and describe in your response. You may do additional research to help formulate your answer, but your answer should be thorough. Typed response preferred but not required.