It identifies 133 DNA exoneration cases (39 percent), from the same pool of cases identified by the Innocence Project, in which forensic science is a contributing factor. Table 1 lists information on the 24 discrepant cases.
While there has been substantial attention devoted to the causes of erroneous convictions, there has been limited focus on what happens after an exoneration occurs.
Wrongful conviction, or the conviction of a person for a crime that they did not commit, is one of the greatest travesties of the criminal justice system. As of 2023, The National Registry of Exonerations has recorded over 3,000 cases of wrongful convictions in the United States.[1] Organizations such as The Innocence Project work to free the innocent and prevent these convictions, so far ...
Exonerations Learn about exonerations resulting from the Postconviction DNA Testing Assistance Program.
In 33 of the sexual assault convictions, DNA testing of probative evidence eliminated the person convicted, and that elimination supported exoneration. The 33 convictions are 8 percent of the total number of sexual assault convictions in the study (422) and 15 percent of the convictions in the study that yielded determinate results (227).
Chapter 3 discusses the major themes that emerged during the listening sessions in an effort to better understand the problems victims and those who have been exonerated face during the review of post-conviction innocence claims and after the exoneration. The report concludes with policy recommendations to help address the most pressing issues.