Did you know that in most parts of the world courts rely mostly on eyewitnesses to prosecute those who are found guilty? Eyewitnesses are said to have been used since the biblical times to present. But it is well known by many, including the judges, human beings experience memory failure at some point. Thus, despite eyewitness testimony having some advantages and being relied upon in many cases, it carried a number of disadvantages that make it not a fully reliable and consistent source of information regarding a crime.
An eyewitness can accuse the wrong person resulting in deadly consequences for the accused. Definitely when the wrong person is implicated by the eyewitness in court and the eyewitnesses’ false testimony is admitted in court, the accused will face jail even if he is not the actual criminal. Without a doubt, human eyes can be misleading. This is evident through a research which reveals that human sight is prone to corruption, unfairness and can even be twisted from the reality.
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Crime generates panic and causes dishonesty to the eyewitness. An eyewitness may experience depressing feelings and emotions as well as outside intimidation which may influence the eyewitness to conceal some facts and therefore formulate a bogus testimony. This also commonly occurs when the witness fears being implicated in the chaos or being an object of revenge (Bornstein, & Greene, 2016).
Despite these shortcomings, eyewitnesses can also be advantageous in solving crimes and prosecuting criminals. Eyewitnesses have the potential to shade light on a crime providing a sequence of event that took place during the crime. When an eyewitness is proved to be credible, their testimony can be used as evidence in court and it can positively influence the decision of the jury. However, Proper evaluation of the state of the eyewitnesses during the crime needs accurate substantiation of their integrity. They should also be subjected to more open-ended questions to help them remember the occurrences and not rely on perceptions to testify as recommended by professionals.
Eyewitnesses can disadvantage courts criminal proceeding since the reliance a witness’ testimony leave the accused at mercy of the witness’ memory, biases and prejudice, and fears. The testimonies may not be accurate and suspects may be wrongfully jailed. Similarly, a culprit walks free and may commit another crime. As a result, it is necessary for the courts and justice system to find a better way of screening witness and using testimonies. Regardless, eyewitness testimonies should not be the sole evidence used to convict or acquit suspects.
Reference
Bornstein, B. H., & Greene, E. (2016). The jury under fire . New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
