Weighing the Evidence

Autism

How Evidence Can Be Trumped by a Suspect's Atypical Behavior

Neil Brewer Ph.D. on August 16, 2021

Individuals who sometimes behave atypically—such as those with autism—can be treated harshly by the criminal justice system.

Individuals who sometimes behave atypically—such as those with autism—can be treated harshly by the criminal justice system.

Law and Crime

How to Conduct Police Lineups

Neil Brewer Ph.D. on August 17, 2020

Sadly, police lineups often produce errors, most of which have disastrous consequences. A recent policy paper provides guidelines from experts on minimizing those errors.

Sadly, police lineups often produce errors, most of which have disastrous consequences. A recent policy paper provides guidelines from experts on minimizing those errors.

Autism

Being Innocent Is Not Always Enough

Neil Brewer Ph.D. on January 23, 2020

Why autistic adults may become prime suspects in police investigations.

Why autistic adults may become prime suspects in police investigations.

Confidence

Let’s Get Rid of Police Lineups

Neil Brewer Ph.D. on September 30, 2019

The problems with police lineups have been well documented. Let’s accept that they are not fit for purpose and try something else that is.

The problems with police lineups have been well documented. Let’s accept that they are not fit for purpose and try something else that is.

Autism

Autistic Adults' Interactions with the Justice System

Neil Brewer Ph.D. on August 27, 2019

Deficits in perspective-taking—or theory of mind—are considered to be hallmarks of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Could they lead to an elevated risk of criminal behavior?

Deficits in perspective-taking—or theory of mind—are considered to be hallmarks of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Could they lead to an elevated risk of criminal behavior?

Confidence

Can We Tell If a Witness Picks an Innocent Suspect?

Neil Brewer Ph.D. on July 24, 2019

When people witness a crime, they might be asked by the police to view a lineup. If they pick someone, how do we know if it’s the culprit or an innocent suspect?

When people witness a crime, they might be asked by the police to view a lineup. If they pick someone, how do we know if it’s the culprit or an innocent suspect?