mistakenidentity

Mistaken identity refers to the incorrect identification of a person as someone else. It can occur in legal, social, and media contexts. In crime, mistaken identity is a well-documented cause of wrongful arrests and convictions, often arising from eyewitness misidentification. Contributing factors include brief exposure to the suspect, stress, poor lighting, distance, cross-racial identification, memory decay, and cognitive biases. Eyewitness accounts are particularly vulnerable when witnesses are asked to identify a suspect from a lineup or from photographs.

In criminal justice, procedures such as double-blind lineups, sequential presentation, proper instructions, and the use of blind administrators have been advocated to reduce misidentification. Prosecutors and defense counsel may rely on independent forensic evidence, alibi corroboration, and DNA testing to verify identity. The problem is among the leading causes of wrongful convictions, prompting reforms in many jurisdictions and organizations.

In everyday life, mistaken identity can arise from similarities in appearance, misattribution of actions, or online impersonation. It can lead to reputational harm, social tension, or legal consequences.

Cultural representations appear in literature, film, and news reporting, illustrating the fragility of identification and the ethical implications of certainty. Notable cases, such as those involving eyewitness misidentification leading to exonerations, have influenced policy changes and public awareness.

See also: eyewitness testimony, lineup procedures, wrongful conviction, forensics, misidentification in law.