A Wipe of the Hands, A Lick of the Lips: The Validity of Demeanor Evidence in Assessing Witness Credibility

Authors

Jeremy A. Blumenthal, J.D., Ph.D., Syracuse University College of LawFollow

Abstract

I. Introduction

II. Overview of the Problem ... A. Social Science and the Law ... B. Perceived and Actual Deception ... C. Operational Definitions

III. Demeanor and the Law ... A. Sentence Enhancements for Mendacity ... B. Trial Tactics ... C. Out-of-Court Declarations ... D. Demeanor and the Confrontation Clause ... 1. Early Development of Demeanor and the Confrontation Clause ... 2. Demeanor and Confrontation under the Supreme Court ... 3. Cases on Literal Confrontation ... a. Coy v. Iowa ... b. Maryland v. Craig ... E. Summary

IV. Demeanor and Social Science ... A. Cues to Actual Deception ... B. Cues to Perceived Deception ... C. Differences ... D. Jurors' Attentional Biases ... E. Level of Planning ... F. Summary

V. Implications for the Law

VI. Conclusion

Recommended Citation

Jeremy A. Blumenthal, J.D., Ph.D., A Wipe of the Hands, A Lick of the Lips: The Validity of Demeanor Evidence in Assessing Witness Credibility, 72 Neb. L. Rev. (1993)
Available at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/nlr/vol72/iss4/8