Sample interview questions: Can you discuss the potential impact of leading questions or suggestive techniques in forensic interviews?
Sample answer:
Leading Questions and the Risk of Contamination
Leading questions are phrased to lead the witness to a specific answer, often by suggesting the desired response. They introduce the risk of “contamination,” where the witness’s memory or perception of an event is influenced by the content of the question.
Memory Construction and Biases
Memory is a reconstructive process, meaning that it is influenced by beliefs, expectations, and prior knowledge. Leading questions can prime the witness by providing false or inaccurate information that the witness may then falsely recall as part of their testimony.
Erosion of Witness Credibility
Leading questions can damage the witness’s credibility in the eyes of the jury. The jury may infer that the witness is not providing an accurate or reliable account of events if they believe that the questions were designed to elicit a particular response.
Bias in Juror Evaluation
Jurors are not immune to biases and may be influenced by the presence of leading questions. They may assume that the qu… Read full answer
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