Considerations on wrongful conviction based on forensic evidence: analysis by the Innocence Project, the National Registry of Exoneration and mechanisms for reducing forensic errors

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22197/rbdpp.v7i1.410

Keywords:

Proof, Expert, Conviction, Innocence.

Abstract

This article aims to analyze the relationship between expert evidence and wrongful convictions. It is a topic that is still little explored in Brazil, but with a wide debate in the USA. For this reason, it is used as the basis of the American model to answer the following questions: 1) What are the main American associations and databases related to the reversals of wrongful convictions? 2) What are the reflexes of the American approach in United Kingdom, Canada and Brazil? 3) How do expert evidence relate to wrongful convictions? 4) Are there criteria applicable to expert evidence that can be implemented in Brazil in order to reduce the chance of expert errors and misinterpretation by the judges? It is expected to present the point and the counterpoint in the use of expert evidence, to address the merits of associations that seek to reverse wrongful convictions and to suggest criteria to improve the way the experts dialogue with the judges.

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Author Biographies

  • Aline de Araújo Lourenço, Instituto de Pós-Graduação – IPOG – São Paulo/SP

    Especialista em Perícia Criminal e Ciências Forenses pelo Instituto de Pós-Graduação. Graduação em Processos Químicos pela Faculdade Uirapuru. Perita em Documentoscopia e Grafoscopia em São Paulo/SP.

  • Erick Simões da Camara e Silva, Instituto de Pós-Graduação – IPOG – São Paulo/SP

    Mestre em Direitos Difusos e Coletivos pela Universidade Metropolitana de Santos. Mestre em Química pelo Instituto Militar de Engenharia. Especialista em Direito Processual Civil pela Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina. Bacharel em Direito pela Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Graduado em Engenharia Química pelo Instituto Militar de Engenharia. Perito Criminal Federal e Professor da Pós-Graduação no Instituto de Pós-Graduação, na Faculdade de Tecnologia Avançada e na BluEad-UniNorte.

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Published

2021-03-24

Issue

Section

Criminal evidence theory

How to Cite

Lourenço, A. de A., & Silva, E. S. da C. e. (2021). Considerations on wrongful conviction based on forensic evidence: analysis by the Innocence Project, the National Registry of Exoneration and mechanisms for reducing forensic errors. Brazilian Journal of Criminal Procedure, 7(1), 567. https://doi.org/10.22197/rbdpp.v7i1.410