Putting Cognitive Science to Work in the Legal System: An Evidence-Based Approach to Testimony Evaluation and Beyond (Renewal)

My FLF project involves a systematic and interdisciplinary line of research drawing on techniques from across fields to examine and improve testimony evaluation in the justice system, and to promote the effective integration of cognitive science research into the legal system more generally. In the initial phase of my FLF, I conducted a broad range of studies examining how laypeople make judgments about the accuracy of information provided by others in a legal context. These studies included examining the impact of manipulations in experimental work, reviewing decision-making of jurors and experts in a range of legal cases (including proven and alleged miscarriages of justice), and examining neural activation during relevant decision-making in fMRI work. As a result of that work, I have developed extensive new insight into how people examine testimony in the legal context which demonstrates important flaws in current systems. I have also developed suggestions as to how decision-making can be improved, both in the jury and in the Criminal Cases Review Commission. As part of my FLF, I have founded and direct a new research lab, the Evidence-Based Justice Lab, with a vision to conduct research in cognitive science and empirical law and to facilitate the utilisation of scientific work and evidence to create fairer legal systems and procedures. The lab is thriving. Through the lab, I have produced a number of influential policy-reports and publications, and have also founded the highly successful UK Miscarriages of Justice Registry (an interactive registry logging and categorising UK-based miscarriages of justice).
In the renewal phase of my FLF, I will work on a highly ambitious programme of research aimed at increasing the utility and impact of my FLF work in legal research and policy. This research will involve developing and testing practical policy recommendations, translating my work into impact and culture change in law and legal research, and extending the work...