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What is the success rate of exoneration cases in the United States?

Katelynn Siverns

Hey there! Are you curious about the success rate of exoneration cases in the United States? Well, let me tell you, it's a fascinating topic!

First off, let me explain what exoneration is. It's when someone is found innocent of a crime they were wrongfully convicted of. The process can take years of legal battles, but it's worth it to clear someone's name.

Now, onto the success rate. According to data from the National Registry of Exonerations, there have been 2,795 exonerations in the United States since 1989. That's an average of about 71 exonerations per year. But what's even more interesting is the increase in exonerations in recent years.

In 2019, there were 143 exonerations, which was a record high. And the trend seems to be continuing, with 63 exonerations already recorded in 2020. That's a lot of people finally getting justice.

But let's talk about the success rate specifically. Of the 2,795 exonerations, 2,449 of them were due to official misconduct or perjury/false accusation. That means around 88% of exonerations were a result of the justice system failing in some way. It's a sad reality, but it's important to acknowledge the flaws in our legal system so we can work towards improving it.

However, there is some good news. Of the 2,795 exonerations, 166 were due to DNA evidence. And with advancements in technology, there's potential for even more people to be exonerated with DNA evidence in the future.

So, in conclusion, the success rate of exoneration cases in the United States is increasing, but there is still a long way to go. We need to continue fighting for justice and making sure the legal system is fair for all. But hey, let's celebrate the victories along the way!