eyewitness memory

Eyewitness memory refers to the recollection of events or details by someone who has directly observed them, typically in a legal context. It plays a crucial role in criminal cases, as witnesses identify suspects or recall specific incidents. However, this type of memory can be unreliable; factors such as stress, the passage of time, and suggestive questioning can distort what a witness remembers. Research shows that people may confidently recall incorrect details, making it important for the justice system to consider eyewitness accounts carefully alongside other evidence.