Juror Perceptions of Eyewitness Evidence and Enhancing Efficacy of Judicial Instructions: An Applied Disseration

• In Event: Juror Perceptions, Decisions, and Education

Abstract

This applied dissertation was designed to examine mock juror perceptions of eyewitness evidence and provide recommendations for enhancing the efficacy of judicial instructions related to eyewitness evidence. The United States Supreme Court has not implemented a standard jury instruction for eyewitness evidence and the instructions vary significantly across states, with some states not requiring an instruction to be given. This is a concern as eyewitness identifications are responsible for many wrongful convictions. Research shows that jury members have limited knowledge of the inaccuracies of eyewitness evidence and may unknowingly rely on inaccurate identifications when deciding a verdict. This present study will add to the knowledge base by exploring if mock jurors comprehend eyewitness jury instructions, and if preliminary or enhanced instructions may increase jurors’ ability to apply knowledge of inaccurate eyewitness evidence to the case.

Author

• Alexis Leclerc, Nova Southeastern University