Wrongful Convictions: The Latest Scientific Research & Implications for Law Enforcement

Dr. John Den Boer

What does science tell us about case factors that can lead to a wrongful conviction? Dr. Jon Gould of American University will discuss the findings of the first large-scale empirical study that has identified ten statistically significant factors that distinguish a wrongful conviction from a “near miss.” (A “near miss” is a case in which an innocent defendant was acquitted or had charges dismissed before trial). Following Dr. Gould’s presentation, Mr. John R. Firman from the IACP will talk about implications for law enforcement, including soon-to-be-released recommendations based on the IACP’s 2012 summit on wrongful convictions. The summit brought together experts from throughout the justice system to talk about preventing wrongful arrests and convictions.