The effect of initial meeting context and video-mediation on jury perceptions of an eyewitness

Video-mediated testimony in the courtroom has become more widespread since
introduced as a method to aid vulnerable witnesses. Despite many benefits, research indicates that individuals are perceived more negatively over video links in comparison to face-to-face contact. Studies have also shown that an initial face-to face meeting can improve subsequent person perceptions across video. The current study compared participant perceptions of an eyewitness in three conditions: face-to-face testimony, video testimony and video testimony with an initial face-to-face introduction. Results suggest that although impressions of the eyewitness were more negative when the testimony was given via video (compared with face-to-face), this did not impact upon the jury s decision to convict the accused. Furthermore, the initial face-to-face meeting did not significantly improve the jury s perceptions of the eyewitness. Video-mediated impressions may be more negative due to social distance and the attenuation of visual cues.