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

Faulty eyewitness identification and testimony can lead to wrongful convictions.

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Police officers, prosecutors, and courts often rely on eyewitness identification and testimony in the prosecution of criminals, even though memory and the process of reconstruction can be fragile.

Eyewitness Testimony

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

Wrongful Conviction

Eyewitness suggestibility refers to the susceptibility of witnesses to be influenced by interview practices and questioning methods, which can lead to flaws in their testimony. Awareness of these flaws has led to modifications in how witnesses are interviewed and how lineups are conducted to decrease suggestibility.

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