Eyewitness Testimony

Step 1:

Watch the 60 Minutes Segment:

• Watch both parts of the “60 Minutes” segment on Ronald Cotton and Jennifer Thompson. This is a legal case that happened right here in NC, and resulted in legal changes in how you will be interviewed by law enforcement. This can typically be found online through streaming services or on the official “60 Minutes” website.

Step 2:

Research and Understand the Concepts:

• Review key concepts related to memory, including false memories, the malleability of eyewitness accounts, and the psychological factors that can affect testimony.
• Look into relevant research studies and psychological theories that pertain to memory accuracy and witness reliability.

Step 3:

Create an Informational Flyer:

• Target Audience: Judges and juries.

Content Requirements:

• Overview of False Memory: Explain what false memories are and how they can form.
• Eyewitness Testimony: Discuss the reliability of eyewitness testimony and factors that can influence its accuracy.
• Implications for the Justice System: Highlight how misunderstanding these aspects can lead to wrongful convictions.
• Practical Tips: Provide guidelines for judges and juries to help them assess the reliability of eyewitness testimony and understand the limitations of memory.

Design and Presentation:

• Your flyer should be visually appealing and easy to read.
• Use clear headings, bullet points, and infographics where appropriate.
• Include references to relevant studies or expert opinions to support your points.

Submission Details:

• Format: The flyer can be created digitally (using tools like Canva, Adobe Spark, or Microsoft Word) or designed on paper and scanned.
• Length: The flyer should be concise, fitting onto one page if possible.
• Submission Method: Upload your flyer to the courses online platform or submit it to the instructor as directed.
• Submissions will be evaluated by Turnitin for plagiarism and the use of AI. Any file types that can’t be evaluated will need to be reformatted.

Evaluation Criteria:

1. Accuracy of Information: Correctly presents psychological concepts related to memory and eyewitness testimony.
2. Clarity and Organization: Flyer is well-organized and communicates ideas effectively.
3. Visual Appeal: The design is professional, engaging, and suitable for the target audience.
4. Practicality: Flyer includes actionable advice for judges and juries.

You are encouraged to use the following resources:

• 60 Minutes segment on Ronald Cotton
• Articles on false memory and eyewitness testimony
• Psychology textbooks and academic papers on memory and legal psychology

Example & Support

1st part – https://youtu.be/u-SBTRLoPuo

2nd part – https://youtu.be/I4V6aoYuDcg