This course explores the uncertainties in the American criminal justice system, focusing on fudged forensics and faulty witnesses. Participants will learn about the reliability of eyewitnesses, the impact of police questioning on cases, cognitive bias, false confessions, and forensic science. The teaching method includes participant introductions, discussions, a live robbery demonstration, and expert insights. This course is intended for individuals interested in the intersection of science and justice, including journalists, forensic scientists, psychologists, law professionals, and those curious about the flaws in the legal system.
Overview
Syllabus
Jami Floyd's introduction.
Participant Introductions.
How reliable are eyewitnesses?
What happens in police questioning that may affect the case?
What are the different ways that police ask people to make identifications?
When did the experts start to doubt eyewitnesses?
A LIVE robbery on stage!
The case of Jennifer Thompson.
What is cognitive bias?
Why do people give false confessions?
What are the techniques that police use to get confessions?
Who is more likely to confess?
The Central Park jogger case.
Mechthild Prinz joins the stage
Strengthening forensic science in the U.S.
Who did the audience convict in the stage robbery?
Taught by
World Science Festival
