Reliability Of Eyewitness Testimony

Aparna Kumari, Institute of Law, Nirma University

ABSTRACT

This report aims to highlight flaws in the reliability of eyewitness testimony. Even while eyewitness testimony is a powerful kind of evidence in convicting the guilty, it is tainted by repressed memories, biases, and distortions. The renowned jurist and philosopher Jeremy Bentham once remarked, "Witness is the sight and ears of justice." Memory may therefore be either very distinct or quite hazy. If there is no impartial proof, both are illusive. For a considerable amount of time, the witness evidence in convictions involving astronomers was considered conclusive1. A jury could only be convinced of guilt by a written acknowledgment from the defendant. It is a turning point when a witness gestures towards the witness stand since it signifies that the case is actually admissible in court.

Keywords: Identification of eyewitnesses, proof, reliability, evidence, testimony, accuracy, dependability, and precision.