The Problem of False Memories of a Witness and an Aggrieved in a Criminal Procedure

The article reviews the problem of false memories that are sometimes developed by good faith witnesses and aggrieved. Special aspects and consequences of origination of such objective reality distortion are noted. Examples from the foreign and Russian practice are used to illustrate the matter. The authors of the article present results of their survey of employees of pre-trial investigation, prosecution authorities and judges on the level of awareness with regards to the existing problem. The possibility to neutralize the impact of false memories on establishment of the truth in criminal case proceedings is assessed.