Question

Describe some psychological factors and variables that impact mistaken identification in the legal system. Of the factors listed, which do you consider to be the most influential on mistaken identity? Why?

Answer 1

Mistaken identity and false witness testimony are affected by various fa tors some of which are-

Witness Age - for perpetrator present in line up there is no difference but if perpetrator is absent in line up, young adult and elder will be prone to mistaken identification more than adults.

Race of perpetrator- It is found that witness better identify people from their own race and prone to making more mistake if has to identify from different race.

Investigator bias - The line up should be double blind but usually Investigator k pas about suspects . He may pose question or make line so that it is predictive of some suspect.

Stress and fear. If witness feels huge stress and fear , he is more likely to make a mistake in identifying.

I found investigator bias as biggest threat. In most cases of false conviction because of mistaken identification, investigator role is found to be suspicious. He may either save his client or can frame some target. Investigator are not kept blind because of administrative and other reasons that make it the biggest reason for mistaken identification.