Conviction of the Innocent: Lessons From Psychological Research

by Brian L. Cutler PhD

Overview

In this book, editor Brian L. Cutler presents a provocative overview of current psychological research on conviction of the innocent. Chapter authors investigate how the roles played by suspects, investigators, eyewitnesses, and trial witnesses—as well as pervasive systemic problems—increase the risk of conviction of the innocent.

The chapters skillfully examine psychological perspectives on such topics as police interrogations, confessions, eyewitness identification, trial procedures, juries, and forensic science, as well as broader issues such as racism and tunnel vision within the justice system.

By bringing psychological theories and research to bear on this social problem, the authors derive compelling recommendations for future research and practical reform in police and legal procedures.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433810213
Publisher:	American Psychological Association
Publication date:	08/15/2011
Pages:	370
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.98(d)

About the Author

Brian L. Cutler, PhD, received his doctorate in social psychology in 1987 from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is a professor in the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Prior to joining UOIT's faculty, Dr. Cutler served on the psychology faculties at Florida International University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.
 
Dr. Cutler has been conducting research on the psychology of eyewitness identification and its role in conviction of the innocent for more than 25 years. His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation.
 
In addition to this volume, he has authored and edited three books and more than 60 book chapters and research articles about the psychology of eyewitness identification. His research has been cited in court cases, the media, other research, and psychology textbooks. In addition, Dr. Cutler has served as editor of the journal Law and Human Behavior, and he is currently president of the American Psychology-Law Society (Division 41, APA).
 
In collaboration with his students and other eyewitness scientists, Dr. Cutler continues to maintain an active research program, focusing on eyewitness identification. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in various aspects of psychology, criminology, research methods, and writing for the social sciences.
 

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Contributors

Introduction: The Problem of Conviction of the Innocent 
Brian L. Cutler

I. The Suspects

1. At-Risk Populations Under Investigation and at Trial 
   Robert J. Norris and Allison D. Redlich

II. The Investigators

1. Detecting Deception 
   Amy-May Leach
2. False Confessions 
   Lisa E. Hasel and Saul M. Kassin
3. Procedural Justice Evaluations in Interrogations 
   Diane Sivasubramaniam and Larry Heuer

III. The Eyewitnesses

1. Fallible Eyewitness Memory and Identification 
   Kathy Pezdek
2. Suggestive Eyewitness Identification Procedures 
   David M. Zimmerman, Jacqueline L. Austin, and Margaret Bull Kovera
3. Eyewitness Confidence Malleability 
   Amy Bradfield Douglass and Afton Pavletic
4. Why Do Motions to Suppress Suggestive Eyewitness Identifications Fail? 
   Gary L. Wells, Sarah M. Greathouse, and Laura Smalarz
5. Jurors Believe Eyewitnesses 
   Carolyn Semmler, Neil Brewer, and Amy Bradfield Douglass

IV. The Trial Witnesses

1. Unreliable Informant Testimony 
   Jeffrey S. Neuschatz, Nicholaos Jones, Stacy A. Wetmore, and Joy McClung
2. Alibi Witnesses 
   Tara M. Burke and Stéphanie B. Marion
3. Psychological Perspectives on Problems With Forensic Science Evidence 
   Itiel E. Dror and Rebecca Bucht

V. Pervasive Issues

1. Race and Racism 
   Ellen S. Cohn, Donald Bucolo, and Samuel R. Sommers
2. Tunnel Vision 
   Keith A. Findley

VI. The Exonerated

1. Life After Wrongful Conviction 
   Kimberley A. Clow, Amy-May Leach, and Rosemary Ricciardelli

VII. Conclusion

Conclusion 
Brian L. Cutler

Index

About the Editor