Eyewitness misidentification is the most common cause of wrongful convictions in cases where DNA evidence later exonerates the defendant. According to data from the Innocence Project's first 239 DNA exonerations, eyewitness misidentification was a leading factor in approximately 75% of these cases.

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According to data from the Innocence Project based on the first 239 DNA exonerations, there are several common causes for wrongful convictions. The identified leading causes include eyewitness misidentification, forensic science issues, false confessions, and the use of informants.

Leading Causes of Wrongful Conviction in DNA Exoneration Cases

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Eyewitness Misidentification in Wrongful Convictions

Issues related to forensic science are a major contributor to wrongful convictions. Data from the Innocence Project indicates that forensic science problems were a factor in approximately 49% of the first 239 DNA exoneration cases.

Forensic Science Issues in Wrongful Convictions

False confessions play a significant role in wrongful convictions. According to the Innocence Project's analysis of the first 239 DNA exoneration cases, false confessions were a contributing factor in about 23% of the cases.

False Confessions in Wrongful Convictions

The use of informants can contribute to wrongful convictions. Data from the Innocence Project shows that informants were a factor in approximately 18% of the first 239 DNA exoneration cases.

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