Eyewitness testimonies in North America: the contributing factors of wrongful convictions

The validity of eyewitness evidence is a controversial and problematic issue. This study focused on examining research that has been previous conducted and places it in a North American context. This study specifically focused on the credibility of eyewitness testimony and examined the relationship between inaccurate eyewitness testimony and wrongful conviction. A review of the existing literature was conducted and as a result four common themes were identified. The themes that were seen as the most problematic areas included memory, perception and bias, juror knowledge, and police practice. The information gathered was critically analyzed to ensure that it was both credible and relatable to the central topic of this paper. Once the literature was verified, the chosen themes were critically examined to gain a better understanding of eyewitness testimony and their impact on the totality of a criminal trial. This study will provide information to courts within North America that will help them better understand the credibility of eyewitness testimonies as well as put forward more accurate means of evidence. This research will also illustrate the need for judicial systems to take action in reforming their justice system to increase the credibility of eyewitness testimony and promote a high level of integrity within their court systems.