eyewitness

Recorded on Sunday, November 6, 2022. Other scripture cited: Deuteronomy 19:15; John 19:28-35.

Welcome to this new episode of: Light ‘Em Up!  We are now being heard in 93 countries! Thank you!

On this explosive episode, we shine the “light of the truth“ on Eyewitness Mistaken Identifications.

From behind the one-way mirrored glass in a dimly lit room in the precinct police station, the police detective (or line-up administrator) has just given you these instructions:

“Turn to the right, turn to the left, step forward, step backward.” This is the opening scene in your personal nightmare.  You’ve just been identified – mistakenly – in the commission of a major felony, and arrested.  As this nightmare unfolds in front of your very own eyes, the horror continues: You go to trial, are wrongly convicted, and sentenced to life in prison for a crime you did not commit.

Trust in the fact that this happens more often than a person may care to know.

Mistaken identifications in a criminal justice setting are a leading factor in wrongful convictions and are the leading cause of wrongful convictions in sexual assault and robbery cases.

Let’s not be naïve nor be in denial about the facts – while African Americans make up only about 13% of the U.S. population, they represent a majority of innocent defendants wrongfully convicted of crimes and later exonerated.

People wrongfully convicted are exonerated for a variety of reasons: Official misconduct, perjury, false forensic evidence, false confessions, etc. By far the single greatest cause of wrongful convictions nationwide is eyewitness error.

An eyewitness could be 100% confident and still be 100% wrong. Two exonerees were condemned to death and their sentences were carried out.

We delve into:

● the definition of an “in-custody eyewitness lineup” and explore the “procedural safeguards” (that prior to 1967 did not exist) in order to protect defendants from erroneous conviction resulting from mistaken eyewitness identifications.

● best-practice solutions as to how to protect suspects and defendants from the devastating and life-changing consequences of mistaken eyewitness identification.

●to educate and empower you, we have painstakingly “cleaned up” and digitally re-mastered a portion of the original oral argument from U.S. v Wade (1967), argued before the U.S. Supreme Court. The landmark decision established 5th & 6th Amendment privileges of the right against self-incrimination and the right to counsel as it pertained to in-custody eyewitness lineups.

● we’ve itemized the 5 step “model lineup procedure” and discuss the traditional eyewitness identification practices and problems with the process.  Would it surprise you to hear that the NYPD uses Adobe Photoshop to “doctor” its in-custody “filler” photos?

In order to continue to be a voice to the voiceless – we probe this perplexing issue that the Supreme Court has been grappling with for more than half of a century.

You, I, anyone can be arrested.  Jesus was arrested.  Just because you were arrested – doesn’t mean you committed the crime. You’ve been “fingered” in a lineup, now what will you do?  Know your rights – before you’re “railroaded” for a crime you didn’t commit.

We’d like to thank our friends at Feedspot, as recently we were honored by being ranked #10 in their most recent poll out of the 40 Best Criminal Justice Podcasts.  Visit their blog at www.Feedspot.com or simply follow this link:  Best 40 Criminal Justice Podcasts You Follow in 2022 (feedspot.com)

And for all your news and current affairs check out our friends at Newsly by visiting https://newsly.me.  Use the promo code L1GHTEMUP to launch your savings.
 
Phil Rizzo, Executive Producer

Imagine a crime where you have two eye witnesses identifying a suspect, a composite sketch that looks just like the suspect, and an implicit confession from the suspect.  But it turns out he is 100% innocent.  How could such a thing happen?  That's what we discuss today in the brutal attempted murder and sexual assault of Kaye Robinson from Delaware back in 1995.  This one will leave you scratching your head or yelling at your host!

SHOW NOTES

“Smiley Face” Forensic Files, S.13 Ep. 21 (2009)

https://thecinemaholic.com/where-is-mark-eskridge-now/

https://falseconfessions.org/fact-sheet/

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John recounts Jesus’ words to religious leaders who are hell-bent on rejecting and condemning him -–despite the evidence. These religious leaders are so motivated to condemn Jesus, they have already decided the verdict in their hearts. If we are honest with ourselves, some of us have made our verdict already, picking and choosing the things we “like” about Jesus. And rejecting anything that gets in the way of our desires or our comforts. We may like what Jesus says about heaven and love. But sexuality? Or money? Or caring for the marginalized? Or loving our enemies. Nah, I’m good. Our heart motivations may be different from the religious leaders in Jesus’ day. But the outcome is the same. We too reject Jesus. So the question we have to wrestle with today is this. Whether you consider yourself a Christian or not, When it comes to Jesus–what will your verdict be?

Sermon Notes: https://www.bible.com/events/48870749

22.04.10

Professor Daniel Simons has been researching the cognitive mechanisms of our experience of a stable and continuous visual world and on change blindness. These failures to notice what is often obvious to others suggests that we have a limited interpretation of our visual world.  This is especially important when dealing with eye-witness accounts of crimes, suspect identifications, and in officer involved shootings.  Research in Professor Simon's laboratory uses methods ranging from real-world and video-based approaches to computer-based psychophysical techniques, eye tracking, simulator studies, and training studies. Join us as Daniel Simons discusses the implications of human perception and memory and how we should be careful about the weight we place on eye-witness testimony.

Originally aired on Oct, 14 2021

• 2 Peter 1:16-18,NKJV- For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 
• For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 
• And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

• Think about this, at the birth of the church, they had the luxury of having eye witness accounts from those that walked the planet with Jesus.

• They had first hand, anointed information from those who walked with the Living Word.

• So as He launched His church, He inspired these guys by the Holy Spirit to write these prophetic letters that would become, the Lord’s revelation to His creation.

• 2 Peter 1:19-21,NKJV- “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, (KJV, a more sure word of prophecy) which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; 
• knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 
• for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

• A more sure word of prophecy than an eyewitness account. Even though Mark, Luke and Paul aren’t listed in the original 12, that had to have had some eyewitness accounts.

• For example, John Mark was one of Peters closest associates. And Luke has way too much detail of his accounts, not to mention his follow up in the book of Acts.

• The of course, Paul was taken to Heaven and taught personally by Jesus.

• Remember, Paul reminds us that we see through a glass dimly. We only know in part. He said I saw things that can’t be uttered with human words.
• So as we follow the writings of these God inspired men, lets make sure that we approach what they’re saying with the utmost humility and faith, knowing that according to Peter, we have these prophetic words confirmed.
• They’re actually a more sure word than even their eyewitness account.

• Matthew 28:16-20,NKJV- Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had appointed for them. 
• When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some doubted. 
• And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 
• Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 
• teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

• This assignment isn’t just about telling people that Jesus offers humanity eternal life, but extending His Lordship through the life of every believer willing to follow His lead.

• Jesus is counting on followers today that will accept the fact that the commands He gave His first disciples are just as much a reality for us today.

• This is Peter’s point when he tells us that the prophetic words they wrote are more sure than their eyewitness account of Jesus.

• In John’s gospel Jesus actually tells us that anyone who will believe Him should be doing the things He did.

• This is why Paul says things like, “imitate me as I imitate Christ.”

• I think it’s important for the born again to understand that accepting Jesus does come with an assignment. I realize the security of salvation is where we all start,
• But when we go back to the eyewitnesses, Jesus didn’t just offer them eternal life, He said, “follow Me.”

• Part of our assignment is taking over where He left off. To carry on His mission, to do the things He did, to imitate Him. 

• Look at Peter for example, he actually denied knowing Jesus, but after the Holy Spirit came on him, he operated in a completely different capacity.

• One of Jesus’ main points was that He only said what the Father said. He actually said, “I am truth” My words are spirit and life. 

• I’ll probably say this repeatedly throughout this series, but I think it’s one of the keys to our discipleship; we have more sure word than even their eyewitness account.

• And then He left us His Spirit to be our guide, actually our guarantee.

• John 16:7,13-14,NKJV- Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.
• However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

• Here’s another key in our success as disciples, don't ever make the mistake of thinking you've got to have it all together for God to use you. Look at His first followers, the eyewitnesses. Jesus knew we would need the Holy Spirit.

• So never underestimate what He'll do through someone who will dare to believe Him. So don't underestimate yourself.

• Lets go back to Jesus’ instruction, this is from the MSG&CET, Matthew 28, God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you.

• As a disciple, at what point do we embrace the fact that everything Jesus told His first disciples is just as much a reality for us today.

• Here’s something we all need to take a closer look at as part of His body here and now; because the minute Jesus started His ministry, it wasn’t just teaching and preaching, it was accompanied with signs and wonders.

• Then He told his first followers, the eyewitnesses to go and train everyone they meet to do everything He told them. Which absolutely includes teaching, preaching, and healing.

• But as we look at today’s church, we’re good at teaching and preaching the gospel of the Kingdom today, but what’s up with the healing part?

• Seriously, why would He train His first disciples to live and minister a certain way,
• Then tell them to train everyone they discipled to live the same way,
• Then He move back to Heaven and expect us to live a different way and not even say anything about it to His closest followers, not to mention something in His Word?

• Matthew 8:1-3,NKJV- When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Then Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I AM WILLING; be cleansed.” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

• Jesus told the centurion, “I WILL come and heal him.”

• We’ve got to understand that repeatedly God reminds us that He shows favoritism or partiality to no one. The scripture also makes it clear that Jesus and His word doesn’t change.

• Luke 4:38-39,NKJV- Now He arose from the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. But Simon’s wife’s mother was sick with a high fever, and they made request of Him concerning her. 
• So He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immediately she arose and served them.

• What about this, why do you think Jesus healed everywhere He went?

• John 6:38,NKJV- For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

• He even said, "if you've seen Me, you've seen the Father."

• I think it’s important we have talks like this because there are so many different views on the life and ministry of Jesus, especially healing, unfortunately to the degree that we leave it out of the gospel message.

• Remember, Jesus told the centurion, “As you have believed, so let it be down for you.”

• Think about this, when Jesus told us to follow Him, where do we draw the line? Was He actually showing us what a believer, anointed by the Holy Spirit is supposed to look like?

• Mark 2, When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
• “I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 
• Immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out in the presence of them all, so that all were amazed and glorified God.

• Jairus comes to Jesus about his daughter and is interrupted by the women with the issue of blood. Then Jesus tells Jairus, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”

• He tells two blind men, “According to your faith, let it be done to you.”

• Remember, Jesus told us, the harvest is great, but the workers are few. 
• So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.

• Matthew 10:1,NKJV-  And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, (eyewitnesses)He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.

• v.7-10,“And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 
• Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 
• Provide neither gold nor silver nor copper in your money belts, 
• nor bag for your journey, nor two tunics, nor sandals, nor staffs; for a worker is worthy of his food.”

Peter was an eyewitness to the majesty of God, and it changed him. Another word for majesty is major-ness.

In this episode, Melissa and Bishop Wright have a conversation of God's majorn-ness; its display in nature, peace beyond understanding, and how a big God makes big Faith. Listen in for the full conversation.

Before listening, read For Faith.

Ross and Carrie meet the great psychologist and memory expert, Elizabeth Loftus. Loftus, never one to shy away from the most difficult topics, tells us how bad our memories are at doing what they’re supposed to do; why we can’t simply “believe” one person’s version of events; and why we should approach concepts like repression with skepticism.

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The eyewitnesses accounts of the centurion and Mary to the crucifixion and resurrection are so informative to us.  They show us the significance of a real encounter with Jesus that leads to a whole new identity and mission.  By the Scriptures, we too are eyewitnesses called to bear witness to a waiting world.

The eyewitness accounts of the centurion and Mary to the crucifixion and resurrection are so informative to us.  They show us the significance of a real encounter with Jesus that leads to a whole new identity and mission.  By the Scriptures, we too are eyewitnesses called to bear witness to a waiting world.

As we are nearing the end of this year’s study in the book of Acts, this amazing story of the unstoppable power of the church of God, you’ll start to see that it begins to blur together. Whereas earlier in the book, you get the specific individual stories that stand out, now – though there will be separate trials that Paul has to go through on his way up to Rome – it all seems like one long drawn-out trial.

But don’t give in to the temptation to just turn this next few weeks off thinking, “Oh it’s just the trial of Paul again…” In each instance, there will be something of importance to note, I promise.

If you recall back to Acts 9, when Paul was converted from persecutor to disciple, God had given him a commission to go along with his conversion. God designated Paul a “chosen instrument” to bear God’s name before Gentiles and their kings… In this commission was also the promise that it wasn’t going to be a bed of roses; there would be hardships and suffering.

So now Paul comes to his second trial in front of one of those “Gentile kings.” Festus has succeeded Felix as governor. History tells us that Felix was ineffective and was replaced by the more even-tempered Festus.  And the prediction God made for the testimony of Paul’s life is starting to REALLY come true.

A couple weeks ago we talked about how having a clear conscience allows one to be bold in standing for the truth. Proverbs 28:1 says “The wicked man flees though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.” Paul is able to be bold because his cause is righteous, he lives with integrity; and so for him, these trials don’t seem to faze him at all.