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Eyewitness, Part 1

July 12, 2009 4:53 PM

Lesley Stahl reports on flaws in eyewitness testimony that are at the heart of the DNA exonerations of falsely convicted people like Ronald Cotton, who was falsely accused of rape.

Eyewitness: How Accurate Is Visual Memory?
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by josemedeiros007 July 8, 2012 4:15 PM EDT
Thank God for 60 minutes and such a story! When I hear of people like Ronald Cotten losing 10 years of his life for being wrongfully accused and for mistaken identity, I am saddened, more so that no one believed him other then his attorneys who helped exhortation him.

Jose F. Medeiros, San Jose, California
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by AshMires February 13, 2010 12:15 PM EST
We watched this in my psychology class in college. This was a great example of why witness testimony should be relied on so greatly. There are too many fallacies with this, for one trauma plays a big part in your memory, another, people are better at identifying their own race. And confidence is never reliable for a witness. DNA evidence is the only way to catch the criminal, sadly there is still a lot to be learned, and this is a prime example.
And on a more personal note, I found the fact that this man forgave this woman to be absolutely amazing, and shows that there is still good in the world. There couldn't be a better ending to this story.
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by Dgonquin July 24, 2009 10:36 PM EDT
I purchased Picking Cotton at the airport, after a business trip to NC. I loved the story, shared it with my book club friends, and I was so happy to hear your report on this remarkable story. Thank you for sharing Ronald and Jennifer with your audience; their grace and honesty are truly admirable. THANK YOU, 60 Minutes!!

Note: I highly recommend the book...the letters Ronald wrote to his attorney are so heartfelt and so moving.

~Dee
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by daniel stanfieldiii July 22, 2009 5:11 AM EDT
After seeing this story air in March, I watched it replayed in July. I cried like a baby both time's when Ms. Thompson recanted her story of meeting Mr. Cotton in the church to apologize for the mistake she had made. Did anyone else react like this? How in the world did Ms. Leslie maintain her emotions during this scene? Dan...
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by Steven-Y July 15, 2009 11:50 PM EDT
WOW! Ronald Cotton is a wonderful example of what all of us should exemplify. Forgiveness is nice to receive, and a blessing to give. May God bless him. I pray you air this response.

Steven Y
Albuquerque
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