The Fallibility of Eyewitness Memory in the case of Jennifer Thompson

<Tab/>Eyewitness testimony has always been a crucial component in criminal trials. Attorneys depend a great deal on this type of testimony, especially because it seems to be the most persuasive means in convincing the jury of a defendant's guilt. In the case of the rape of Jennifer Thompson, however, a very important question is raised. How can someone be mistakenly convicted of a crime? Because Jennifer appeared so confident in her eyewitness testimony, she easily convinced the jury that Ronald Cotton was guilty of committing the rape. Carefully examining this case fro…