Debunking Repressed Memories in the Courtroom—Forensic Psychologist and Expert Witness to Speak at RIT

A nationally known skeptic of repressed memories and their validity as courtroom evidence will speak at Rochester Institute of Technology on Friday, April 13.

Dubbed the "diva of disclosure" by Psychology Today, Elizabeth Loftus will present, "The Creation of False Beliefs and Memories," at 10 a.m. in the Student Alumni Union, Ingle Auditorium.

As a forensic psychologist and expert witness, Loftus has questioned the validity of eyewitness testimony in more than 200 trials. She served as an expert witness in the trials of mass murderer Ted Bundy and accused child-killer George Franklin. Loftus has discussed her role in such high-profile cases on 60 Minutes, Oprah and other national programs.

Considered by many to be the leading authority on eyewitness testimony, Loftus has written more than 20 books and 300 scientific articles based on her research on human memory, eyewitness testimony and courtroom procedures. Her books include, The Myth of Repressed Memory, which has been translated into several languages, and Eyewitness Testimony, winner of a National Media Award from the American Psychological Foundation.

A panel discussion hosted by the departments of psychology and criminal justice will follow at 2 p.m. in the Skalny Room, SAU.

The event is free and open to the public. Sign interpretation will be provided. For more information, contact RIT’s psychology department at 475-6204.