A wrongful conviction is a devastating event that affects innocent individuals nationwide. This situation can bring significant stress and financial burdens to a family. Additionally, a wrongful conviction can have consequences on the individual’s mental health. Still, statistics suggest that some common factors influence wrongful convictions.
Eyewitness misidentification
Human memory is not always trustworthy, but it still plays a vital role in our criminal system. Consequently, eyewitness misidentification can lead to a wrongful conviction. For example, a victim could misidentify a suspect due to trauma or memory loss.
However, in some cases, government officials could consciously or unconsciously influence a witness’s decision to identify an individual. Their body language and verbal cues could point out a suspect, confusing witnesses. This can affect an individual’s ability to correctly identify the perpetrator of a crime.
Combining this factor with others, such as an inadequate defense strategy, can influence the court’s decision to convict someone. Once the decision is made, if the person is innocent, they must seek alternative options to prove they did not commit the crime.
Racial discrimination
Unfortunately, racial discrimination is still common in the criminal system. Exoneration data suggests that Black individuals are more likely to face wrongful convictions than White individuals. For example, in 2023, Black people represented 53% of registered exonerations in the country.
Racial biases can lead to unfair penalties for innocent individuals. Moreover, wrongful convictions can be especially harmful when they involve serious crimes. Individuals in these situations can spend several years in jail for a crime they did not commit. Still, they might be entitled to compensation if they reach exoneration.
Misuse of forensic science
Forensic science is a helpful tool in the criminal system. However, inaccurate interpretations can lead to wrongful convictions. Additionally, scientists can make mistakes that harm an individual’s life. However, forensic evidence is rarely the sole contributing factor to a wrongful conviction. Usually, it is combined with other elements that influence the court’s decision.
Thankfully, wrongfully convicted individuals can seek exoneration. An attorney can guide them through the process and help them defend their rights. A favorable resolution often comes with compensation for the damages caused by the wrongful conviction, and the restoration of their liberty.