Wrongful imprisonment- the causes and potential remedies
Wrongful imprisonment- the causes and potential remedies
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Issue Date
2004
Authors
Rodriguez, Charmaine Chabot
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Abstract
With the advent of DNA technology, many people who were previously convicted of crimes are now being exonerated. By studying these exonerations we begin to see the causes of wrongful convictions repeated over and over in cases across the nation. 140 case profiles of exonerations between 1989 and 2003 were studied and data elements that contributed to the wrongful conviction were analyzed.
The most common reason for wrongful conviction was mistaken eyewitness identification, found in roughly twothirds of the cases. In over half the cases, instances of fraudulent of faulty forensic science were discovered. In over one-third of the cases, police misconduct was identified as contributing *to the wrongful conviction. More than one factor is often found in each case.
Wide spread reforms will be required to minimize the effects of wrongful imprisonment. Chief among them is case review commissions, better access to DNA testing, and improved photo-lineup techniques.
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Foresnic Sciences