What is a consequence of a long time gap between the crime and confrontation?

A long time gap between the crime and the confrontation can significantly affect a witness's ability to accurately recall details of the event. Memory is not a perfect recording; it is prone to decay and distortion over time. When a considerable amount of time has passed, the accuracy of a witness's recollection can diminish. This phenomenon is often referred to as memory decay, where the details of the event become less clear, and the risk of incorporating misinformation increases.

Moreover, witnesses may struggle to retrieve specific details or may confuse what they witnessed with other events over time, leading to inaccuracies. This can hinder the investigative process and affect the outcome of a trial. With the associated challenges of memory recall, a long gap increases the likelihood that a witness's account will be less reliable, ultimately impacting the effectiveness of the justice system.