Episode 11: Social and Cognitive Psychology - Deception and Leakage Cues in the Amber Heard and Johnny Depp Defamation Case

In this insightful episode of our podcast, we are privileged to have Dr Erle, a distinguished Assistant Professor of Social Psychology from Tilburg University, join us as we delve into the intricate realms of social and cognitive psychology. Our discussion is focused on the interplay between deception detection, psychological schemes and leakage cues, a narrative that we unfold using the renowned Amber Heard and Johnny Depp defamation case as an illustrative point. Alongside this, we explore the topic of credibility and authenticity within the judicial framework, a pertinent theme in our contemporary legal landscape.

Further light is also shed on the double-edged nature of polygraph tests. On one hand, they can potentially lead to erroneous convictions when the subject suffers from stress, anxiety, PTSD, dissociative disorders, or cognitive impairments related to memory loss. Yet, on the other hand, they still serve as key instruments in trials, as exemplified in the notable case of Chris Watts from Colorado, who was convicted following a failed polygraph test.

Moreover, the podcast episode explores the nuances of evidence presentation in courts. It critically examines how the exaggeration, falsification, or modification of claims can often lead to a tarnished perception of individuals as allegedly untruthful, when their narratives do not align with the evidence. This dialogue emphasizes the significance of accuracy and consistency in testimonies as it reinforces the importance of integrity in legal proceedings. It also encompasses an exploration of social leakage cues, as we delve into the intriguing realm of perception, while highlighting the nuanced complexities and intricate dynamics inherent in the fields of legal and social psychology while drawing examples from real-world phenomena.