On the Admissibility of Expert Testimony on Eyewitness Identification: A Legal and Scientific Evaluation

Authors

Tanja Rapus Benton, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Stephanie A. McDonnell, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Neil Thomas, Justice, Tennessee Circuit Court
David F. Ross, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Nicholas Honerkamp, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Abstract

This article is a state-by-state and circuit-by-circuit analysis of judicial decisions on the admissibility of expert testimony on eyewitness identification problems. The basis for the admission of expert testimony is analyzed, and then the rationale used in those decisions is considered with regard to the current data from psychological studies. This article also addresses the apparent disregard of social science research by the judicial system.

Recommended Citation

Benton, Tanja Rapus; McDonnell, Stephanie A.; Thomas, Neil; Ross, David F.; and Honerkamp, Nicholas (2014) "On the Admissibility of Expert Testimony on Eyewitness Identification: A Legal and Scientific Evaluation," Tennessee Journal of Law and Policy: Vol. 2 : Iss. 3 , Article 3.

Available at: https://trace.tennessee.edu/tjlp/vol2/iss3/3