Difference between revisions of "Causes of Wrongful Convictions"

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{{Languages|Causes of Wrongful Convictions}}
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==Background==
 
==Background==
  
In 1992 Barry C. Scheck and Peter J. Neufeld started the [http://www.innocenceproject.org | Innocence Project ] at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. The Innocence Project seeks to exonerate wrongrully convicted people through DNA testing. In addition, the Project seeks to create public policy that would reform the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice. Law students at Benjamin N. Cardozo handle case work while supervised by a team of attorneys and clinic staff.
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In 1992 Barry C. Scheck and Peter J. Neufeld started the [http://www.innocenceproject.org/about/ Innocence Project] at [http://www.cardozo.yu.edu Benjamin N. Cardozo School] of Law. The Innocence Project investigates claims of innocence by prisoners by obtaining case files, trial transcripts and interviewing clients. In addition, the Project seeks to reform the criminal justice system and prevent future injustice. The Innocence Project has expanded to many law schools, supporting wrongful conviction advocacy across the nation.
  
Since the clinic was formed, there have been 225 cases were DNA evidence has proven innocence beyond a doubt. A study of these cases has identified 6 main causes of wrongful convictions
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Since the clinic was formed, there have been 225 cases where [[DNA | DNA evidence]] has proven innocence beyond a doubt. A study of these cases has identified six main causes of wrongful convictions:
  
  
 
* [[Eyewitness Misidentification]]
 
* [[Eyewitness Misidentification]]
 
* [[Unvalidated or Improper Forensic Science]]
 
* [[Unvalidated or Improper Forensic Science]]
* False Confessions / Admissions
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* [[False Confessions / Admissions]]
 
* Government Misconduct
 
* Government Misconduct
 
* Informants/Snitches
 
* Informants/Snitches
* Bad Lawyering
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* Bad Lawyering or [[Ineffective Assistance of Counsel | ineffective assistance of counsel]]
  
The results of these studies have lead to a series of recommendations and model practices.
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[[File:contributing_causes_225.gif]]
 
[[File:contributing_causes_225.gif]]
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The results of these studies have led to a series of recommendations and model practices.  Today, the Innocence Project advocates investigating all of the above causes.  DNA is not present in a majority of cases, therefore, investigation and advocacy is needed to overcome wrongful convictions.
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{{Languages|Causes of Wrongful Convictions}}

Latest revision as of 12:04, 4 November 2016

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Background

In 1992 Barry C. Scheck and Peter J. Neufeld started the Innocence Project at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. The Innocence Project investigates claims of innocence by prisoners by obtaining case files, trial transcripts and interviewing clients. In addition, the Project seeks to reform the criminal justice system and prevent future injustice. The Innocence Project has expanded to many law schools, supporting wrongful conviction advocacy across the nation.

Since the clinic was formed, there have been 225 cases where DNA evidence has proven innocence beyond a doubt. A study of these cases has identified six main causes of wrongful convictions:




Contributing causes 225.gif


The results of these studies have led to a series of recommendations and model practices. Today, the Innocence Project advocates investigating all of the above causes. DNA is not present in a majority of cases, therefore, investigation and advocacy is needed to overcome wrongful convictions.

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