What factor can undermine the reliability of a witness statement?

When considering the reliability of a witness statement, the discussion amongst witnesses can significantly undermine its accuracy. This is because when witnesses share their experiences or discuss details of the event, they may inadvertently influence one another's memories or perceptions. This phenomenon is often referred to as "social contagion," where the recollection of an event can be altered by hearing others' accounts. As a result, the witnesses may end up incorporating incorrect details or changing their original memories, which compromises the integrity of their statements.

In contrast, having a strong emotional connection to the event can lead to a vividly detailed recollection but does not inherently affect the truthfulness of their statements. Uninterrupted viewing and clear views of the actions actually enhance a witness's ability to provide reliable testimony, as they would have more accurate information to share.