CRMJ 465 - Wrongful Convictions

Credit Hours: 3

This course examines the causes and consequences of wrongful convictions by focusing on pre-trial, adjudication, and post-conviction processes. Specific topics will include mistaken eyewitness identification, false confessions, testimony from informants, and mistakes and misconduct by criminal justice officials (e.g., law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and juries). The course will also cover how wrongful convictions impact people and measures to prevent and/or remedy these injustices. Students will review data sources, media coverage, and documentaries of real cases to gain a better understanding of wrongful convictions in our society.