Wrongful convictions|My homework helper
Posted: February 16th, 2023
John Grisham, author of legal thrillers and former attorney, once said:
“Wrongful convictions happen every week in every state in this country. And they happen for all the same reasons. Sloppy police work. Eyewitness identification is the most—is the worst type—almost. Because it’s wrong about half the time. Think about that.” (Moyers, 2008)
Take a position. Is sloppy police work the primary reason for wrongful convictions?
First, title your post either “Sloppy Police Work Is the Primary Reason for Wrongful Convictions,” or “Sloppy Police Work Is Not the Primary Reason for Wrongful Convictions.”
Then, make your case. Using the information gained in this module and from the The Innocence Project or The Marshall Project, make your case. Who is primarily to blame for wrongful convictions? Where is the greatest need for reform? What actions can be taken to help lessen the chances of a person being wrongfully convicted of a crime? Be sure to build your case with factual resources.
In your response to your peers, consider how well they justified their position, making use of available resources. Consider the following questions in your response posts:
- Did they support their position convincingly using appropriate resources?
- Which of their points make the most sense to you, even if you made your case for the opposing viewpoint?
Reference
Moyers, B. (2008, January 25). “Bill Moyers Talks With John Grisham.” Bill Moyers Journal. Retrieved August 9, 2019, from https://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/01252008/transcript4.html
To complete this assignment, review the Discussion Rubric document.
SOLUTION
Sloppy Police Work Is Not the Primary Reason for Wrongful Convictions
While sloppy police work can certainly contribute to wrongful convictions, it is not the primary reason. Rather, there are several factors that can lead to innocent individuals being convicted of crimes they did not commit. According to The Innocence Project, the main contributors to wrongful convictions include eyewitness misidentification, improper forensic science, false confessions, informants or snitches, and misconduct by law enforcement or prosecutors.
Eyewitness misidentification is the leading cause of wrongful convictions, accounting for approximately 70% of cases that are later overturned by DNA evidence. This occurs when a witness incorrectly identifies a suspect as the perpetrator of a crime. Often, these identifications are influenced by various factors such as the witness’s level of stress or fear, the lighting conditions during the crime, and the amount of time between the crime and the identification.
Improper forensic science is another major contributor to wrongful convictions. In some cases, forensic analysts have been found to have provided misleading or incorrect evidence in court. For example, bite mark analysis, once considered a reliable forensic technique, has been shown to be unreliable and subjective. This has led to the wrongful convictions of many individuals based on flawed forensic evidence.
False confessions also contribute to wrongful convictions. People can be coerced into admitting to crimes they did not commit, often as a result of police interrogation techniques. Young people, those with mental disabilities, and those who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol are particularly vulnerable to making false confessions.
Informants or snitches can also contribute to wrongful convictions. In some cases, individuals may be pressured into providing false information in exchange for leniency in their own cases. This can lead to innocent people being wrongly convicted based on unreliable information.
Misconduct by law enforcement or prosecutors can also lead to wrongful convictions. This can include withholding exculpatory evidence, fabricating evidence, and using improper tactics during investigations or trials.
Given these factors, it is clear that the greatest need for reform lies in improving the accuracy of eyewitness identifications and ensuring that forensic science is reliable and free from bias. Additionally, police and prosecutors should be held accountable for misconduct, and interrogation techniques should be reformed to reduce the likelihood of false
Expert paper writers are just a few clicks away
Place an order in 3 easy steps. Takes less than 5 mins.