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Article
Beating a Bum Rap
Contexts (2004)
  • Richard Leo
Abstract

This essay focuses on the author's experience as an expert witness in the murder trial of Kenneth Cowling and his use of social science research in the courtroom. The author details the value of social science research in the context of police interrogation methods and its use in educating juries about the causes and consequences of false confessions. The essay concludes with a brief discussion of the evidence that led to Cowling's acquittal.

Keywords
  • expert testimony,
  • police interrogation,
  • false confessions,
  • social science research
Disciplines
Publication Date
2004
Citation Information
Richard Leo. "Beating a Bum Rap" Contexts Vol. Summer 2004 (2004)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/richardleo/23/