What is the estimated error rate for sworn eyewitness testimonies?

The estimated error rate for sworn eyewitness testimonies is commonly identified as around 8%. This figure is supported by various psychological studies and reports that analyze the reliability of eyewitness accounts. Eyewitness testimonies, despite being perceived as strong evidence in court, are highly susceptible to various cognitive biases, memory distortions, and confidence misattributions. Factors such as stress, the duration of the observation, and the presence of misleading information can severely compromise the accuracy of what a witness recalls.

Research has shown that jurors often overestimate the reliability of eyewitnesses, which can result in wrongful convictions. The 8% figure serves as a reminder of the fallibility of human memory and the complexities of perception, ultimately emphasizing the importance of corroborating eyewitness accounts with additional evidence whenever possible. This awareness is crucial for legal practices and for developing improved methodologies in eyewitness identification processes.