Eyewitness Identification

Eyewitness IdentifIcAtion Task Force

Eyewitness misidentification is the single greatest cause of wrongful convictions nationwide, playing a role in 72% of convictions overturned through DNA testing. Under the leadership of the late Justice David M. Borden, the Task Force has produced nationally-recognized policy and programming reforms. Since 2011, The Center has had the privilege of staffing Connecticut’s Eyewitness Identification Task Force.

 

In June of 2016, The Justice Education Center coordinated the first National Symposium on Eyewitness Identification Reform on behalf of the Task Force.  The Symposium was held at the Yale School of Law in concert with the School of Law’s Criminal Justice Clinic and national Innocence Project.  Policymakers and leaders from 23 states representing the judiciary, law enforcement, prosecution and the defense bar attended the Symposium.  At its conclusion, the majority of attendees spoke of their strong commitment to developing reforms in their jurisdictions.

In 2024, The Center coordinated a statewide training in collaboration with the Office of the Chief States Attorney for police and states attorneys to update participants on Connecticut’s current statutes and national trends.

Eyewitness Identification Symposium Eyewitness Identification Enactment Eyewitness Identification Overview Criminal Justice Revisions