Psychology and Law: Truthfulness, Accuracy and Credibility

Psychology and Law shows how psychological research and theory can be used in a legal context. Written with advanced undergraduate students in mind, it focuses upon the pre-trial or investigative phase of the legal process. Obtaining and assessing witness evidence is a key part of any criminal investigation. Topics include witness accuracy and credibility, covering issues such as assessment of witness credibility, interviewing suspects and witnesses, eyewitness testimony, false beliefs and memory, the role of experts and juries. This second edition has been revised and updated to reflect the large amount of new research in the area, making it the essential guide for all courses with a legal component. Comment on the first edition: "This is an excellent appraisal of the psychology of evidence...it provides thorough, substantial and up-to-date accounts of modern developments." Denniss Howitt, Loughborough University, UK Written by well known and respected authors Suitable as an introductory, undergraduate text

About the Authors. Preface. Chapter 1. Introduction. Chapter 2. Telling and Detecting Lies. Chapter 3. Facial Appearance and Criminality. Chapter 4. Interviewing Suspects. Chapter 5. Interviewing Witnesses. Chapter 6. Psychological Factors in Eyewitness Testimony. Chapter 7. False Memories. Chapter 8. Jury Decision Making. Chapter 9. The Role of Expert Witnesses. References. Index.