The way that the criminal justice system is designed is to avoid false convictions. This is why the standard of proof in a criminal case is so high, requiring that guilt be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The idea here is that some guilty people may go free because their guilt can’t be proven up to this high standard, but that this also prevents innocent people from being convicted of crimes they did not commit.
Unfortunately, although this is a good theory, it does not always work in practice. Because of the use of DNA evidence, it has become clear that false convictions do occur, and many people serve time behind bars – including life sentences, in some cases – when they have done nothing wrong.
DNA-based exonerations
The reason we know false convictions happen is because DNA can sometimes be used to exonerate those who were already convicted. As of 2020, there had already been 375 DNA exonerations.
Not only does this demonstrate that hundreds of people were convicted of crimes they did not commit, but it raises questions about other convictions. After all, exoneration is only possible when DNA evidence exists and has been appropriately gathered by the authorities. There are likely other cases where people have been falsely convicted, but there is no DNA evidence to clear their name.
This helps to show just how important DNA is to the modern criminal justice system. Those who are facing serious criminal charges must understand exactly what legal rights and options they have at this time, including the potential right to appeal a conviction.