Final answer:
Investigators should ask witnesses to a crime carefully crafted questions that avoid suggestibility and the formation of false memories. They should obtain detailed descriptions of the events and people involved, assess the witness's state of mind, and determine any factors that may have influenced the witness's memory post-event.
Step-by-step explanation:
An investigator might ask a witness to a crime several questions, using neutral and less leading language to enhance the accuracy of the information received. Given the issues of suggestibility and the creation of false memories, it's crucial to avoid influencing witnesses with the way questions are asked. Potential questions an investigator may ask include:
- What did you observe at the scene of the crime?
- Can you describe the individuals involved?
- What was the sequence of events that you witnessed?
- Were there any distinct features you noticed about the suspect or the environment?
- How did you feel during and immediately after witnessing the event?
- Has anything influenced your memory of the event since it occurred?
These questions are designed to gather as much accurate information as possible without suggesting any particular answers or details to the witness, thereby preventing the formation of false memories due to suggestibility. Jurors should also be informed about the potential issues regarding the reliability of eyewitness testimony.