Intellectual impairment, memory impairment, suggestibility and voir dire proceedings: a case study.
The psychology and psychiatry of interrogation, confession and testimony have recently become the subjects of considerable theoretical analysis, research and professional interest (Gudjonsson, 1992). A case study is reported involving a defendant whose testimony under police interrogation incriminated himself and 13 other defendants in a murder trial. Issues of intellectual impairment, memory impairment, confabulation and suggestibility were addressed in voir dire proceedings, and are described in this paper. The case also demonstrates the importance of psychological tests being administered by suitably qualified personnel.
Reaside Clinic, Birmingham, West Midlands.
K
K
Howells
M
M
Ward
D000328:Adult; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D016743:Mental Competency; D011581:Psychological Tests