FBS 159T - Wrongful Convictions

Although the American criminal justice system incorporates numerous safeguards to prevent the conviction of innocent individuals, an increasing body of evidence has shown that wrongful convictions occur. To date, there have been over 3200 exonerations in the U.S. In response to these errors, psychologists, criminologists, forensic scientists, journalists, and legal scholars have begun examining these cases for factors that may be responsible. This class will focus on current research regarding the variety of factors that may lead to erroneous conviction and how scientific research can assist with minimizing the potential for these errors in the future. Specifically, the course will focus on psychological contributors to wrongful conviction and how social science can inform and influence public policy on these issues. Although we will primarily focus on psychological aspects of wrongful conviction, we may also address other social and legal factors that contribute to these miscarriages of justice including the impact of forensic “science”, legal counsel errors/misconduct, post-conviction remedies, and exoneree compensation. This topic may not be repeated for credit.

Units: 3