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WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS INFORMATIONAL SITE

Created by Charlie Murtha

Andre Hatchet freed after 25 years
Nathan Brown exonerated after 17 years
Leon Brown and Henry McCollum with their mother after being freed
Central Park 5 after settling with New York City
Jabar Walker freed after 25 years
Marvin Haynes freed after 20 years behind bars
San Antonio 4 Being Freed

ABOUT

With thousands of innocent lives affected and many people currently serving time for crimes they did not commit, this website has been created to raise awareness for this often overlooked issue.

A website inspired by the story and advice of Mrs. Anna Vasquez   Director of Outreach and Education, Innocence Project of Texas     Exonerated after 14 years behind bars

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Understanding the Basics

The 2 goals in combatting wrongful convictions: Correction and Prevention

CORRECTION

With many people currently incarcerated for crimes they did not commit, one goal of innocence projects and groups combating wrongful convictions is seeking exonerations for those who have already fallen victim to the system.  Exoneration is the process of removing someone from all legal blame and guilt of a crime.  These cases can span decades as in the year 2023, people have been exonerated from false convictions dating all the way back to 1975.

PREVENTION

The second goal in combating wrongful convictions is creating reforms and advancing forensic science, prosecutorial, and investigative procedures that will help reduce the likelihood of wrongful convictions in the future.  

Image by Braňo

DNA vs. Non-DNA Exonerations

DNA Exonerations

A new form of exoneration starting in 1989 has been DNA exonerations.  This has come with a rise in DNA technology and happens when DNA proves that the person who has been convicted cannot have committed the crime because of failures for DNA to match.  With DNA exonerations, we are able to study the case to see what went wrong and allowed for this to happen.  DNA evidence that proves a person innocent is one of the largest forms and easiest ways to exonerate someone.

Non-DNA Exonerations

Non-DNA exonerations are primarily based on misconduct in court or investigation procedures or the use of false evidence that makes the original guilty verdict unproven and incorrect.  These are the majority of exonerations where DNA is not available but the procedures are still proven to be clearly faulty or unjust.  A rise in Non-DNA exonerations has also come because of the wake up call law enforcement and prosecutors received from the wave of DNA exonerations.  This led many to reopen and review closed cases.

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