<p>In the first 325 DNA exonerations, false identification accounted for 72% of the wrongful convictions. But how is that possible? The simplest explanation is that we are not as good at identifying each other as we think. Add to that a frightening encounter with someone of a different race with no time for the mind to process and you have the perfect formula for getting it all wrong.</p><p>Host Michael Semanchik sits down with retired Los Angeles Detective Greg McKnight, Distinguished Professor of Psychology John Wixted, and California Innocence Project Founder Justin Books to discuss the science of misidentifications and why so many people who were so sure got it so wrong.</p>

In the first 325 DNA exonerations, false identification accounted for 72% of the wrongful convictions. But how is that possible? The simplest explanation is that we are not as good at identifying each other as we think. Add to that a frightening encounter with someone of a different race with no time for the mind to process and you have the perfect formula for getting it all wrong. Host Michael Semanchik sits down with retired Los Angeles Detective Greg McKnight, Distinguished Professor of Psychology John Wixted, and California Innocence Project Founder Justin Books to discuss the science of misidentifications and why so many people who were so sure got it so wrong.

Eyewitness Misidentifications

Hosted by The Innocence Center’s Executive Director Michael Semanchik, For the Innocent features heartbreaking first-person accounts of exonerees like NFL football player Brian Banks and loving father Zavion Johnson about their experiences of being wrongfully convicted. Hear emotional stories of unfair trials revolving around crimes not committed, devastating memories of incarceration and the journey these men and women took to receive freedom through exoneration. 

Throughout the series, you’ll hear from legal and criminal experts, forensic scientists, and prominent judges who will help us understand what went wrong. Expert guests provide insights about our criminal justice system and how wrongful convictions become a terrible reality.

Learn why innocent people falsely confess, what causes misidentifications, and how junk science like bite marks, shaken baby syndrome and DNA can be used to convict people. 

With its compelling storytelling and dedication to uncovering the truth, For The Innocent serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of fighting for innocence, while also highlighting the tireless efforts of activists and lawyers working to right these injustices and holding institutions accountable for their mistakes.

Season One and Two are now available.

Society & Culture

Documentary

True Crime

Hosted by The Innocence Center’s Executive Director Michael Semanchik, For the Innocent features heartbreaking first-person accounts of exonerees like NFL football player Brian Banks and loving father Zavion Johnson about their experiences of being wrongfully convicted. Hear emotional stories of unfair trials revolving around crimes not committed, devastating memories of incarceration and the journey these men and women took to receive freedom through exoneration. Throughout the series, you’ll hear from legal and criminal experts, forensic scientists, and prominent judges who will help us understand what went wrong. Expert guests provide insights about our criminal justice system and how wrongful convictions become a terrible reality. Learn why innocent people falsely confess, what causes misidentifications, and how junk science like bite marks, shaken baby syndrome and DNA can be used to convict people. With its compelling storytelling and dedication to uncovering the truth, For The Innocent serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of fighting for innocence, while also highlighting the tireless efforts of activists and lawyers working to right these injustices and holding institutions accountable for their mistakes. Season One and Two are now available.

Hosted by The Innocence Center’s Executive Director Michael Semanchik, For the Innocent features heartbreaking first-person accounts of exonerees like NFL football player Brian Banks and loving father Zavion Johnson about their experiences of being wrongfully convicted. Hear emotional stories of unfair trials revolving around crimes not committed, devastating memories of incarceration and the journey these men and women took to receive freedom through exoneration.&nbsp;

Throughout the series, you’ll hear from legal and criminal experts, forensic scientists, and prominent judges who will help us understand what went wrong. Expert guests provide insights about our criminal justice system and how wrongful convictions become a terrible reality.

Learn why innocent people falsely confess, what causes misidentifications, and how junk science like bite marks, shaken baby syndrome and DNA can be used to convict people.&nbsp;

With its compelling storytelling and dedication to uncovering the truth, For The Innocent serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of fighting for innocence, while also highlighting the tireless efforts of activists and lawyers working to right these injustices and holding institutions accountable for their mistakes.

Season One and Two are now available.

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