The Innocence Commission

Wrongful convictions have been a critical component of the criminal justice system. The advancements of DNA testing and technologies has become a reliable source for proving guilt or innocence. Exonerations are at their peak as convicted felons hope to have these new resources shed light onto their case. “A comprehensive study of 328 criminal cases over the last 15 years in which the convicted person was exonerated suggests that there are thousands of innocent people in prison today” (Liptak, 2004). Leading causes for wrongful convictions include mistaken eyewitness identification, police misconduct, bad lawyering, and false confessions in addition to many others. Reducing or eliminating factors related to wrongful convictions must be rendered in order to appreciate the purpose of justice. 

Eyewitness identification evidence is considered the leading cause of wrongful convictions. Forensic DNA tests have shown that mistaken identification accounts for more wrongful convictions than all other causes combined. Eyewitness identifications are primarily confirmed through the utilization of line-ups, where witnesses point perpetrators out in person or by photograph. Weaknesses in the areas of identification can only expect such causes to be found (Innocence Project, n.d.).
Reducing or eliminating mistaken identification is a necessity. Preventing such weaknesses can be obtained by videotaping the entire identification process, including line-ups, photographs, and composites. Procedures can be confirmed and supported. Levels and rates of certainty should be asked of witnesses. Most importantly, “police and prosecutors should be trained with regard to the risks of providing corroborating details or cues that may influence a witness” (Innocence Project, n.d.).