NeuroLaw: Introduction to Neuroscience - 3 - Memory

The Introduction to Neuroscience microcredential course is offered by the Michigan State University Neuroscience and Law program for students and working professionals with an interest in learning how neuroscience can be applied to their role in the crimimal justice system, whether it be law enforcement, criminal investigation, forensics, social work, or in the courtroom. The Memory module focuses on the ways in which memory processes are inherently lacking, how this impacts courtroom proceedings, and what can be done to improve upon those imperfections with the understanding that memory can never be perfect. While the benefits of enhanced memory are obvious, less common but highly impactful are cases of memory dampening wherein victims can receive treatment to lessen their memory of a traumatic event, but at the expense of the evidence they would later be able to provide in court. Even when memories remain fully intact, there are many ways in which memories can be inadvertently distorted when gathering evidence, resulting in a surprisingly high prevalence of false eyewitness memories. Consequently procedural modifications have been identified that have helped to improve the reliability of eyewitness memory. Despite this lawyers will forever use tactics intended to distort the memories of an eyewitness and thus call into question the reliability of their memory, with the intention of reducing the confidence that the judge and/or jury have in using the memory as evidence in court. All this and more in the Memory module of the Introduction to Neuroscience microcredential course for NeuroLaw.