NOT
GUILTY
The Tragedy of
Wrongful Convictions in the US
and the DNA Evidence that Frees Them
Our legal system, though one of the best in the world, is still deeply flawed,
and wrongful convictions - the true number Of which will never be known -
are one Of its most devastating effects. Luckily, science has worked hard to
remedy the situation. Using DNA evidence, forensic scientists have been able to
clear the names Of almost 300 wrongfully convicted people.
But this great work is Only the beginning.
271
convicts have
been exonerated
by DNA evidence
in US history.
of these
people were
on death row.
3,494
the total number
Of years served.
ZOO/O
of DNA exonerees
are members of
minority groups.
eos
In nearly
1 OUT OF S
exoneration cases,
prosecutors had
opposed DNA tests.
EXONERATIONS
BY STATE:
of them have taken
place after 2000.
YEARS
is the average
sentence served
by DNA exonerees.
(The number of years
it takes to go from
kindergarten to high-
school graduation.)
Average age at
time of conviction.
In nearly
of DNA exoneration
cases, the true
culprit was later
identified using
DNA evidence.
ONLY
HALF
of exonerees have
been financially
compensated.
20+ 11-19 6-10
1-5
CAUSES or
WRONGFUL CONVICTION
Eyewitness
Misidentification
75% Of exonerations
The single greatest cause Of
wrongful convictions in the nation.
oo
Improper
Forensic Science
50% of exonerations
Snitches
19% of cases
Snitches, who Often fabricate testimony,
may be told they'll be released from or
avoid going to prison if they testify.
False confessions
25% of exonerations
The suspect may believe they'll be
Methods like bite mark and shoeprint analysis
better off through confession.
are often implemented with no scientific rigor.
SUPPLEMENTARY CAUSES:
Government
Misconduct
Investigators may make
suggestions to witnesses
during identification,
arrange false testimony,
or exclude evidence
from trial unjustly.
Bad Lawyering
In rare but documented
cases, lawyers may
sleep during trial, show
up drunk, fail to show
up at all, or be dis-
barred shortly after trial.
WORST OFFENDERS:
NEW YORK
False confessions
Eyewitness Identification
Government Misconduct
Snitches
Bad Lawyering
Improper Forensic Science
ILLINOIS
False confessions
Eyewitness Identification
Government Misconduct
Snitches
Bad Lawyering
Improper Forensic Science
OKLAHOMA
False confessions
Eyewitness dentification
Government Misconduct
Sn itches
Bad Lawyering
Improper Forensic Science
TEXAS
False confessions
Eyewitness Identification
Government Misconduct
Sn itches
Bad Lawyering
THE TRIPLE TRAGEDY OF
WRONGFUL CONVICTION
Innocent person is imprisoned.
Victim goes without justice.
COLLECT DNA SAMPLES
In exoneration cases, DNA
from original crime scene is
often still in storage.
HOW
DNA
ANALYSIS
True perpetrator goes free.
ANALYZE IN LAB
Polymerase Chain Reaction
(PCR) replicates small
strands of DNA to create a
usable sample.
Short Tandem Repeat Analy-
sis (ST R) searches for repeti•
tions of base pairs in DNA
WORKS
PRESENT EVIDENCE
AT TRIAL
If the samples match, it is very likely
the suspect is guilty; if they don't,
there is zero chance he is guilty, and
he must be exonerated.
COMPARE TO SUSPECT
Chances can be as low as 1 in 1
billion that 2 people have the
same base pair patterns.
sc•ene sustlect us
crime
TARE ACTION:
Though great strides in science and legislation have
been made to free and help those who have been
wrongly convicted. There is still much work to be done,
and the damage these mistakes have done to the lives
of its victims can never be quantified or fully repaired.
Not only are wrongful convictions still occurring,
but 23 states still do not have compensation statutes for
paying back the exonerated after their release.
Reach out to representatives in your area and find out
what you can do to help. Visit www.lnnocenceProject.org
for more information on how to help.
Created By
References:
http://wvnv.innocenceproject.org
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/life/genetic/dna-evidence.htm
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/d/dna_evidence/ind
ex. 1-spot&sq=dna%20evidence&st=cse
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