CRIM13-315: Miscarriages of Justice

While there is no doubt that the overwhelming majority of trials produce justified convictions or acquittals, there have been a number of high profile cases where the conclusions are questionable or where decisions have been overturned. This subject examines some of those high profile cases to decipher the systemic causes of such failures through an understanding of the processes involved in the criminal justice system. This subject also addresses the roles of investigators, the media, forensic science, expert witnesses, lawyers, juries, eyewitness testimony and the appeals process to determine how these may impact on cases of injustice. On completion of this subject you will have a thorough understanding of the main causal factors for miscarriages of justice worldwide and will be apprised of the possible remedies. Contemporary responses to miscarriages of justice is also covered, such as the Innocence Project in the US and the UK Criminal Case Review Commission.