In Doubt: The Psychology of the Criminal Justice Process

摘要: The criminal justice process is unavoidably human. Police detectives, witnesses, suspects, and victims shape the course of investigations, while prosecutors, defense attorneys, jurors, judges affect outcome adjudication. In this sweeping review psychological research, Dan Simon shows how flawed investigations can produce erroneous evidence why well-meaning juries send innocent people to prison set guilty free. investigator's task genuinely difficult prone bias. This often leads investigators draw faulty conclusions, assess suspects' truthfulness incorrectly, conduct coercive interrogations that lead false confessions. Eyewitnesses' identification perpetrators detailed recollections events rely on cognitive processes are mistaken easily be skewed by investigative procedures used. courtroom, jurors ill-equipped accuracy testimony, especially in face heavy-handed rhetoric strong emotions crimes arouse. offers an array feasible ways improve trials. While limitations human cognition will always obstacle, these reforms enhance system's ability decide correctly whom release punish.