Juror Decision Making When a Witness Makes Multiple Identification Decisions1

Mock jurors (N = 224) read a trial summary varying the consistency of the eyewitness's initial lineup identification (ID) decision and confidence. In all conditions, a second positive lineup ID of the suspect/defendant was made. Jurors perceived the witness's description of the criminal, IDs, and testimony overall as more reliable when the witness initially made a positive ID of the suspect who also was the defendant vs. a positive ID of a different suspect or a non‐ID. Ratings were also higher when the witness initially made a foil vs. non‐ID. Additionally, the witness's first lineup ID was perceived as more reliable when made with higher vs. lower confidence. Verdicts did not vary as a function of ID consistency.