Expert testimony about eyewitness identification

Recent research concerning eyewitness identification is surveyed with respect to its adequacy (reliability and validity) to support expert testimony. The conclusion is that the scientific basis is generally inadequate and that the more we have learned about various aspects of eyewitness identification, the most inadequate it appears. The argument is made that presentation in policy settings requires greater circumspection than would be required in presentation to scientific audiences. Prudential rules are suggested. They would have the effect of sharply reducing participation in the adversarial system.