Witnesses Are Often Wrong Without Intending to Be.

Authority Publication No. DI-018

Supporting Attorneys, Service Members, and Families

Publication Date: July 24, 2026

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Introduction

Investigative documentation ensures that witness testimony is accurately recorded, preserved, and evaluated because even valuable evidence loses its impact if it is not properly documented.

One of the first lessons experienced investigators learn is that an honest witness is not necessarily an accurate witness. Human memory is influenced by stress, the passage of time, conversations with others, expectations, and many other factors that can unintentionally alter how events are remembered. A witness may sincerely believe every word they are saying and still be mistaken about important details. Professional investigators recognize this reality without questioning a witness’s honesty. Instead, they carefully distinguish between personal observations, assumptions, and later recollections while verifying significant facts through independent evidence whenever possible.

Understanding the strengths and limitations of human memory helps investigators, attorneys, and decision-makers evaluate witness testimony more objectively and develop a more reliable understanding of the facts.

Download the complete Authority Publication to learn why sincere witnesses are sometimes mistaken, how experienced investigators evaluate witness testimony, and why independent verification remains one of the most important tools in every professional investigation.

Who Should Read This Publication?

Military Defense Counsel

Learn how witness confidence, sincerity, and consistency should be evaluated alongside the conditions under which the event was observed and the independent evidence supporting—or contradicting—the account. This publication can help counsel identify factual issues requiring additional investigation before relying upon witness testimony.

Defense Investigators

Develop a disciplined approach to documenting what witnesses personally observed, separating facts from assumptions, avoiding memory contamination, and asking neutral follow-up questions. Investigators will also learn why the question “How do you know that?” can reveal critical weaknesses in an apparently certain account.

Service Members

Understand why an accusation or adverse statement should not automatically be accepted as accurate merely because the witness appears confident. This publication explains how an independent investigation can test recollections against messages, photographs, timelines, digital records, documents, and other evidence.

Experts

Recognize how issues involving perception, memory, stress, suggestibility, and later information may affect witness evidence. Experts can use the publication to understand the factual questions an investigative team may need evaluated before counsel determines whether specialized analysis or testimony is necessary.

Families

Learn why independently preserving original messages, photographs, calendars, receipts, call records, and other information may be more helpful than confronting witnesses or discussing the case with multiple people. These records may allow the defense team to test disputed recollections objectively.

Download the complete Authority Publication to access the full discussion, investigative guidance, practical examples, and supporting analysis.

Download the Official Authority Publication (PDF)

Companion Video

Watch the companion video below for additional investigative insights and practical examples that complement this Authority Publication.