ABSTRACT
Every legal system is a way to evaluate and manage human behaviour. Hence the law makes a number of assumptions, often unstated, about human psychology. The 1908 publication of Hugo Munsterberg’s On the Witness Stand marks the beginning of systematic psychological research on the legal system of the United States. There are differences in the method of inquiry of the two disciplines: the law relies on doctrine and precedent, whereas psychology relies on empirical support for theory-bound hypotheses. Eyewitness testimony is a highly popular area of psychology and law research. Many legal arguments against psychological experts relate to the possible reaction of juries. Opposition to social framework testimony from psychologists rests on a belief in the incompatibility of empirical psychology and formal jurisprudence. There are several options in conveying psychological findings to courts. Psychological research aims to evaluate just how well the jury performs its role.
