Beating a Bum Rap

Contexts, Summer 2004

2 Pages Posted: 27 Sep 2010

Date Written: 2004

Abstract

This essay focuses on the author’s experience as an expert witness in the murder trial of Kenneth Cowling and his use of social science research in the courtroom. The author details the value of social science research in the context of police interrogation methods and its use in educating juries about the causes and consequences of false confessions. The essay concludes with a brief discussion of the evidence that led to Cowling's acquittal.

Keywords: expert testimony, police interrogation, false confessions, social science research

Suggested Citation

Leo, Richard A., Beating a Bum Rap (2004). Contexts, Summer 2004, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1683768

Richard A. Leo (Contact Author)

University of San Francisco ( email )

2130 Fulton Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
United States

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
95
Abstract Views
1,607
Rank
493,626
PlumX Metrics