based on what we actually know from studies, how reliable are eye witness accounts, actually?

Answer 1

Depends on the eyewitness and the length of time looking at the perp. You can't lump them all into one category.

If I see someone I know well commit a crime, my testimony is considered to be eyewitness testimony - but is substantially more reliable than if I was identifying a stranger from a photograph.

Likewise, studies have shown that identification is better within your own race than cross racial. The age of the witness has an impact too, as different age groups (early 20's) have better recall than other age groups.

Then you have to consider how long the witness actually looked at the perp. Seeing someone for a second or two is less reliable than seeing them for 30-60 seconds. Studies have shown that the longer you look, the better the id. The few studies that have been done show that if you look at someone twice as long, you have twice the chance of correctly identifying them later.

Of course all fo the studies have compared to photos to other photos or videotaped "crimes," which is not what people actually experience when they witness an actual crime. You can't duplicate the adrenaline and fear.

Answer 2

Not only are there many studies and many groups continuing to do studies, there is even research into the validity of those studies themselves, one of which makes the telling point "Virtually all of the studies conducted on eyewitness memory involve witnesses, whereas it is, in fact, the victims who supply the evidence in the majority of crimes (with the exception of murder) in which eyewitness identification is part of the evidence against the defendant."

But considering the types of studies you're referring to, I think it's a misnomer to say "we actually know" -- it's more like "what we have inferred so far".

Answer 3

Not very reliable. Ten people witness same incident--likely there will be ten different versions. But we've been led to believe eye witness testimony is crucial.

Answer 4

According to most studies I've seen, no better than 50-50.

Answer 5

eye witness accounts are more reliable before the police get their hands on them and twist what they really did see to what they need them to have seen.