How do decision makers decide when witnesses are telling the truth and what can be done to improve their accuracy In making assessments of witness credibility?

How do decision makers decide when witnesses are telling the truth and what can be done to improve their accuracy In making assessments of witness credibility?

[Summary]:
Correctly determining witness credibility is integral to a fair trial. Assessments of credibility by the triers of fact are made, inter alia, by reference to behavioural stereotypes that are commonly thought to be associated with lying and truth telling. These stereotypes are worthless but pervasive. In this study, venire jurors were given information such as would be given by way of judicial direction and/or expert testimony on those behavioural indicia that are useful in detecting deception. Major changes in venire juror perceptions of what does and does not work were found. This has significant implications for the conduct of criminal trials. Recommendations are presented which, it is argued, can be of real, practical assistance in enabling decision makers to assess the credibility of witnesses.

Report to The Criminal Lawyers Association of Australia and New Zealand. Unpublished.