Sequential vs Simultaneous Lineups
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sequential as “of, relating to, or arranged in a sequence”. (Sequential) This means the pictures of each suspected criminal in a lineup are presented one at a time and one after the other. The dictionary defines simultaneous as, “occurring or operating at the same time”. (Simultaneous) This form of lineup means the mugshots are presented all together for identification.
In the United States, over 337 convicted prisoners have been freed of charges after DNA testing proved them innocent. 70% of the the prisoners were wrongfully convicted due to misidentification. These prisoners served about 4,606 years total in prison. About 10% of prisoners were freed from capitol crimes. 26.5 is the average age of the people when they were wrongfully convicted. After they had been exonerated, the federal government took action by passing laws to literally pay for the mistake of the accused. The compensation price varied from state to state. (DNA) Sadly, there are even more negative aspects to …show more content…
“Studies have shown that people are less able to recognize faces of a different race than their own (DNA).” In addition, false and/or forced confession is the biggest cause of wrongful sentencing in homicide cases alone. About 63% of homicide cases have been reopened and their “culprit” exonerated because of DNA testing. “Thirty-three of the DNA exonerees pled guilty to crimes they did not commit (DNA).” Occasionally, investigators will have informants in prison give testimony against someone they believe committed a crime. They make deals with the already incarcerated criminals, but don’t always give a punishment for answering the investigators questions incorrectly. This gives them nothing to lose for putting the wrong person behind bars. The informant may even gain vengeance by wrongfully accusing someone if that is what they want.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines sequential as “of, relating to, or arranged in a sequence”. (Sequential) This means the pictures of each suspected criminal in a lineup are presented one at a time and one after the other. The dictionary defines simultaneous as, “occurring or operating at the same time”. (Simultaneous) This form of lineup means the mugshots are presented all together for identification.
In the United States, over 337 convicted prisoners have been freed of charges after DNA testing proved them innocent. 70% of the the prisoners were wrongfully convicted due to misidentification. These prisoners served about 4,606 years total in prison. About 10% of prisoners were freed from capitol crimes. 26.5 is the average age of the people when they were wrongfully convicted. After they had been exonerated, the federal government took action by passing laws to literally pay for the mistake of the accused. The compensation price varied from state to state. (DNA) Sadly, there are even more negative aspects to …show more content…
“Studies have shown that people are less able to recognize faces of a different race than their own (DNA).” In addition, false and/or forced confession is the biggest cause of wrongful sentencing in homicide cases alone. About 63% of homicide cases have been reopened and their “culprit” exonerated because of DNA testing. “Thirty-three of the DNA exonerees pled guilty to crimes they did not commit (DNA).” Occasionally, investigators will have informants in prison give testimony against someone they believe committed a crime. They make deals with the already incarcerated criminals, but don’t always give a punishment for answering the investigators questions incorrectly. This gives them nothing to lose for putting the wrong person behind bars. The informant may even gain vengeance by wrongfully accusing someone if that is what they want.