Journals

Rethinking Enablement in the Predictable Arts – Fully Scoping the New Rule

In exchange for granting inventors a limited monopoly, the patent laws require inventors to “enable” the public to make and use their invention. In Liebel-Flarsheim Co. v. Medrad, Inc., Automotive Technologies International, Inc. v. BMW of North America, Inc., and Sitrick v. Dreamworks, L.L.C., the Federal Circuit made it far easier to show that patents [...]

Markman Hearings Video Available

Video from the Markman Hearings presentation has been uploaded. You can watch the presentation and download the materials at [...]



Markman Hearings Video Available

Video from the Markman Hearings presentation has been uploaded. You can watch the presentation and download the materials at

Rethinking Enablement in the Predictable Arts: Fully Scoping the New Rule

In exchange for granting inventors a limited monopoly, the patent laws require inventors to “enable” the public to make and use their invention. In Liebel-Flarsheim Co. v. Medrad, Inc., Automotive Technologies International, Inc. v. BMW of North America, Inc., [...]

Inoculation or Antidote? The Effects of Cognitive Interview Timing on False Memory for Forcibly Fabricated Events

Abstract  
This study examined whether a cognitive interview (CI) can counteract the effects of suggestive interviews involving forced
fabrication. College students witnessed a filmed event and were later forced to fabricate answers to misleading questions
about the event. All witnesses were interviewed with a non-leading CI or free recall (FR) either before or after the forced
fabrication phase. A week later participants completed a recognition and source monitoring (SM) test of video content. Relative
to FR, the CI administered before the forced fabrication interview increased reports of correct details and reduced false
assents to fabricated items. A CI after resulted in false memory rates comparable to the FR group. Early interviews using
CI techniques may protect against memory loss and misinformation effects.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Original Article
  • DOI 10.1007/s10979-008-9172-6
  • Authors
    • Amina Memon, University of Aberdeen, Kings College School of Psychology Old Aberdeen AB24 2UB Scotland, UK
    • Maria Zaragoza, Kent State University Kent OH USA
    • Brian R. Clifford, University of Aberdeen, Kings College School of Psychology Old Aberdeen AB24 2UB Scotland, UK
    • Lynsey Kidd, University of Aberdeen, Kings College School of Psychology Old Aberdeen AB24 2UB Scotland, UK


Chinese organized crime and situational context: comparing human smuggling and synthetic drugs trafficking

Abstract  This article criticizes the ‘ethnic’ conception of organized crime and puts forward an alternative view that does not put
ethnicity first, but rather social networks and situational context. It focuses upon Chinese organized [...]

Snitching, Lies and Computer Crashes: An Experimental Investigation of Secondary Confessions

Abstract  Two laboratory studies with 332 student participants investigated secondary confessions (provided by an informant instead
of the suspect). Participants allegedly caused or witnessed a simulated computer crash, then were asked to give primary or
secondary confessions during interrogation. Study 1 replicated the false evidence effect for primary confessions. Secondary
confessions were obtained at a high rate, which was increased by false evidence in combination with incentive to confess.
In Study 2 a confederate either confessed to or denied crashing the computer. Incentive increased the rate of secondary confession
only in the presence of a denial; that is, incentive increased the number of false secondary confessions only. Implications
for the use of incentives during informant interrogation are discussed.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Original Article
  • DOI 10.1007/s10979-008-9173-5
  • Authors
    • Jessica K. Swanner, The University of Arkansas Department of Psychology 216 Memorial Hall Fayetteville AR 72701 USA
    • Denise R. Beike, The University of Arkansas Department of Psychology 216 Memorial Hall Fayetteville AR 72701 USA
    • Alexander T. Cole, The University of Arkansas Department of Psychology 216 Memorial Hall Fayetteville AR 72701 USA

Limitations of Diagnostic Precision and Predictive Utility in the Individual Case: A Challenge for Forensic Practice

Abstract  Knowledge of group tendencies may not assist accurate predictions in the individual case. This has importance for forensic
decision making and for the assessment tools routinely applied in forensic evaluations. In this article, we applied Monte
Carlo methods to examine diagnostic agreement with different levels of inter-rater agreement given the distributional characteristics
of PCL-R scores. Diagnostic agreement and score agreement were substantially less than expected. In addition, we examined
the confidence intervals associated with individual predictions of violent recidivism. On the basis of empirical findings,
statistical theory, and logic, we conclude that predictions of future offending cannot be achieved in the individual case
with any degree of confidence. We discuss the problems identified in relation to the PCL-R in terms of the broader relevance
to all instruments used in forensic decision making.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Original Article
  • DOI 10.1007/s10979-009-9176-x
  • Authors
    • David J. Cooke, Glasgow Caledonian University Department of Psychology Glasgow G4 0BA UK
    • Christine Michie, Glasgow Caledonian University Department of Psychology Glasgow G4 0BA UK

Migrant smuggling and the violence question: evolving illicit migration markets for Cuban and Haitian refugees

Abstract  Comparing Cuban and Haitian migrant smuggling schemes, this article explores the relationship between violence and the social
organization of migrant smuggling, including the smuggling of refugees. Levels of violence, political [...]

Contraband and violence: lessons from the Southeast Asian case

Abstract  This article looks at the intersection between contraband and violence in Southeast Asia. I argue that the two activities
are often linked and play off one another in specific, contextualized ways. To make this case, I examine [...]