Numbers to chew on

[drwex]

The Innocence Project has secured the exoneration of its 200th person wrongfully convicted of a crime, based on DNA testing. The 200 served about 2,475 years in prison for crimes they didn't commit. Story on CNN: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/04/23/dna.exoneration.ap/index.html

I agree that even one wrongful conviction is too many, and I support the project's goals of systemic reform (required DNA testing, mandatory videotaping of all interrogations). But I'm not satisfied.

What's lacking is a background against which to read these numbers. How many peoples' convictions are confirmed by additional DNA or other testing? What is the percentage of questionable convictions that are overturned in this way. That's a lot of people and a lot of life wasted, but what's the true magnitude of the problem?

Comments

How many wrong convictions?

[(Anonymous)]

Good stats on the wrongly convicted are notoriously difficult to find, partly because of systemic features that project an image of infallibility. Perhaps it's important to note that inaccuracy in verdicts cuts two ways, both of which are harmful. For each wrongly convicted person there may be a perpetrator who goes free.

As you acknowledge, even one wrongful conviction is too many. And each one can screen from view a truly guilty and danger party who continues to walk among us.

For a personal view of wrongful conviction, see http://BearingFalseWitness.com.

Re: How many wrong convictions?

[drwex]

Yes, that's a very good point - a wrongful conviction has at least two other harms: the actual perpetrator going unpunished, and the victim who falsely believes that justice has been served.