In Doubt : the psychology of the criminal justice process /

In this clearly written book on the criminal justice system, Simon (law and psychology, USC) offers an intensive investigation of the psychological defects that result in false convictions and false acquittals. The 160 pages of notes citing studies and papers reflect the depth of the author's research. Four core chapters deal with the psychological strengths and limitations of the people who operate the system: chapter 2 treats the investigation dynamics and the bias for proving the accused guilty; chapter 3 the weakness of eyewitness identification of perpetrators; chapter 4 the negative ways in which eyewitness memories for the criminal events are compromised; chapter 5 the misuse of interrogation techniques that result in false confessions and the creation of false memories. Other chapters examine such problems as the ability of jurors to distinguish between guilty and innocent defendants and problems related to fact-finding. Simon uses actual criminal cases to demonstrate the psychological dynamics at the root of the problems. He includes in all chapters thoughtful recommendations for reforms that would improve the criminal justice system--for example, recording interviews with suspects. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals. W. P. Anderson emeritus, University of Missouri--Columbia