There are issues using the Innocence Project experience to extrapolate numbers.
First, IP works because the system works. To my knowledge, those that have been released by their efforts achieved that through the system - which includes the various post-conviction relief procedures.
Second, IP cases are primarily DNA-based cases where the convictions were either before DNA testing or used more rudimentary testing than we have today. Going forward, they will have fewer and fewer cases because we can avoid convicting those people in the first place. So, that "pool" of cases is singularly bad to use to predict future exonerations.
As an aside, I worked on an Indiana case involving the Innocence Project. They do good work, but are quite limited in the cases they can take.
Finally, I want to re-emphasize that my opinions are focused on Indiana. We have a good system. While I am less familiar with other states, I will absolutely not vouch for whether Texas or Illinois has ever executed an innocent person. But, that's a good thing about federalism - each state can have a system as good or bad (within constitutional boundaries) as they want.
First, IP works because the system works. To my knowledge, those that have been released by their efforts achieved that through the system - which includes the various post-conviction relief procedures.
Second, IP cases are primarily DNA-based cases where the convictions were either before DNA testing or used more rudimentary testing than we have today. Going forward, they will have fewer and fewer cases because we can avoid convicting those people in the first place. So, that "pool" of cases is singularly bad to use to predict future exonerations.
As an aside, I worked on an Indiana case involving the Innocence Project. They do good work, but are quite limited in the cases they can take.
Finally, I want to re-emphasize that my opinions are focused on Indiana. We have a good system. While I am less familiar with other states, I will absolutely not vouch for whether Texas or Illinois has ever executed an innocent person. But, that's a good thing about federalism - each state can have a system as good or bad (within constitutional boundaries) as they want.
lol
