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