Difference between revisions of "Showups, Lineups, and Photo Arrays"

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Eyewitness identification evidence is extremely persuasive evidence for a criminal prosecution. Eyewitness testimony is powerful because we assume it to be the most reliable. However, studies have shown that eyewitness evidence is often mistaken and that eyewitnesses are prone to suggestive identification procedures. The problem of [[Eyewitness Misidentification | eyewitness misidentification]] is often exacerbated by out-of-court identification procedures. Misidentification is often difficult to detect, as eyewitnesses sincerely believe in their own testimony.
 
Eyewitness identification evidence is extremely persuasive evidence for a criminal prosecution. Eyewitness testimony is powerful because we assume it to be the most reliable. However, studies have shown that eyewitness evidence is often mistaken and that eyewitnesses are prone to suggestive identification procedures. The problem of [[Eyewitness Misidentification | eyewitness misidentification]] is often exacerbated by out-of-court identification procedures. Misidentification is often difficult to detect, as eyewitnesses sincerely believe in their own testimony.
  
Eyewitness procedures should be carefully scrutinized in order to maximize the reliability of identifications, minimize unjust accusations of innocent defendnats and establish evidence that is reliable and conforms to established legal procedures.
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Eyewitness procedures should be carefully scrutinized in order to maximize the reliability of identifications, minimize unjust accusations of innocent defendants and establish evidence that is reliable and conforms to established legal procedures.
  
 
The United States Constitution's Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination does not extend to identification procedures that include blood <ref> Schmerber v. California, 384 U.S. 757 (1966)</ref> or handwriting <ref> Gilbert v. California, 388 U.S. 263 (1967)</ref>, fingerprints, x-rays, etc. However, if an identification is unusually invasive it may be inadmissible for other reasons. For instance, in Winston v. Lee, the U.S. Supreme Court held that forcing a defendant to undergo surgery which requires general anesthetic in order to obtain evidence violates the Fourth Amendment prohibition against unreasonable search and seizure when the evidence is not absolutely necessary to convict the defendant.<ref> Winston v. Lee, 470 U.S. 753 (1985)</ref>
 
The United States Constitution's Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination does not extend to identification procedures that include blood <ref> Schmerber v. California, 384 U.S. 757 (1966)</ref> or handwriting <ref> Gilbert v. California, 388 U.S. 263 (1967)</ref>, fingerprints, x-rays, etc. However, if an identification is unusually invasive it may be inadmissible for other reasons. For instance, in Winston v. Lee, the U.S. Supreme Court held that forcing a defendant to undergo surgery which requires general anesthetic in order to obtain evidence violates the Fourth Amendment prohibition against unreasonable search and seizure when the evidence is not absolutely necessary to convict the defendant.<ref> Winston v. Lee, 470 U.S. 753 (1985)</ref>

Revision as of 12:12, 27 July 2010