Opening up a can of worms: how do decision-makers decide when witnesses are telling the truth?

Article

Coyle, Ian R. and Thomson, Donald M.. 2014. "Opening up a can of worms: how do decision-makers decide when witnesses are telling the truth?" Psychiatry Psychology and Law. 21 (4), pp. 475-491. https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2013.837803
Article Title

Opening up a can of worms: how do decision-makers decide when witnesses are telling the truth?

ERA Journal ID6578
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsCoyle, Ian R. (Author) and Thomson, Donald M. (Author)
Journal TitlePsychiatry Psychology and Law
Journal Citation21 (4), pp. 475-491
Number of Pages17
Year2014
Place of PublicationKidlington, Oxon. United Kingdom
ISSN1321-8719
1934-1687
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2013.837803
Abstract

Correctly determining witness credibility is integral to a fair trial. Assessments of credibility made by the triers of fact are made, amongst other things, 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, potential 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 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.

Keywordscredibility; demeanour; detection; jurors; truthfulness; witnesses
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020500105. Legal ethics
480504. Legal institutions (incl. courts and justice systems)
440203. Courts and sentencing
Public Notes

Files associated with this item cannot be displayed due to copyright restrictions.

Byline AffiliationsDepartment of Psychology
Deakin University
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/q21wq/opening-up-a-can-of-worms-how-do-decision-makers-decide-when-witnesses-are-telling-the-truth

Log in to edit
  • 1760
    total views
  • 13
    total downloads
  • 1
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Alice in recidivism land: The Queens logic and child protection workers' assessment of sexual dangerousness
Coyle, Ian R., Halon, Robert L., Campbell, Terence W., Thomson, Donald M. and Woskett, Jessica. 2016. "Alice in recidivism land: The Queens logic and child protection workers' assessment of sexual dangerousness." American Journal of Forensic Psychology. 34 (1), pp. 5-36.
An assessment protocol for determining decision making capacity
Zuscak, Simon J. and Coyle, Ian R.. 2014. "An assessment protocol for determining decision making capacity." 1st Annual International Capacity Conference: Capacity, Ethics and the Prevention of Abuse. Hong Kong, China 20 Sep 2014
Train the trainers: maintaining standards to minimise injuries and avoiding legal liability in the fitness industry
Dietrich, Joachim, Keyzer, Patrick, Coyle, Ian R., Norton, Kevin, Sekendiz, Betul, Jones, Veronica and Finch, Caroline F.. 2013. "Train the trainers: maintaining standards to minimise injuries and avoiding legal liability in the fitness industry." Australian and New Zealand Sports Law Journal. 8 (1), pp. 89-106.
Legal risk management and injury in the fitness industry: the outcomes of focus group research and a national survey of fitness professionals
Keyzer, Patrick, Coyle, Ian R., Dietrich, Joachim, Norton, Kevin, Sekendiz, Betul, Jones, Veronica and Finch, Caroline F.. 2014. "Legal risk management and injury in the fitness industry: the outcomes of focus group research and a national survey of fitness professionals." Journal of Law and Medicine. 21 (4), pp. 826-844.
An evaluation of emergency plans and procedures in fitness facilities in Australia: implications for policy and practice
Sekendiz, Betul, Norton, Kevin, Keyzer, Patrick, Dietrich, Joachim, Coyle, Ian R., Jones, Veronica and Finch, Caroline. 2014. "An evaluation of emergency plans and procedures in fitness facilities in Australia: implications for policy and practice." Stal, Marc, Good, Sarah and Ammann, Walter (ed.) 5th International Disaster and Risk Conference (IDRC 2014): Integrative Risk Management: The Role of Science, Technology and Practice. Davos, Switzerland 24 - 28 Aug 2014 Davos, Switzerland.
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?
Coyle, Ian R.. 2013. 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? Criminal Lawyers Association of Australia and New Zealand.