Newsweek had an article about DNA exonerations. Since the late ’90s, hundreds of convicted inmates have been found innocent through DNA technology. (Texas holds the record with 38 overturned convictions.) That, in itself, is not unexpected. We all know that lots of innocent people are in prison (and lots of guilty people are roaming free). What I found truly interesting is that almost 80-percent of those wrongly accused were first pointed out by eyewitnesses (either photo or in-person line-ups). I’ve read psychological studies on this issue and I knew that eyewitnesses were not particularly reliable. But 80-percent of the screw-ups is an enormous percentage!
A special panel is currently studying the factors involved in wrongful convictions. This fall, the panel will issue their recommendations. Until then, maybe we should all start paying closer attention. And, if we aren’t sure of something, it’s probably wise to simply keep our mouths shut.
Tags: DNA, Eyewitnesses, wrongful convictions
February 25th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
As an author, I like to think that I pay attention to details, but if someone’s life depended on me, I’d want to be absolutely sure of “what I think I saw.” If I wasn’t, I hope I’d follow your suggestion and keep my mouth shut.