Forensic Fridays, Ed. 24, 11 Aug 2023
This week's edition of #forensicfridays delves into the power of DNA in exonerations, the pitfalls of 'junk science,' and the absence of an innocence network in Africa. It brings to mind a profound statement by a law lecturer when I was a law student: 'I would rather let 500 guilty people go free than convict one innocent person.' ...
Last week, I received yet another email appealing for help in a case where a son is fighting for his father's innocence. Sadly, this isn't the first time I've received such a plea, and it raises the uncomfortable question - how many innocent lives are unjustly behind bars? The global Innocence Project network starkly exposes the alarming prevalence of wrongful convictions, a plight I have no doubt is shared by South Africa and other African regions. Fortunately, our current legal framework does make some provision for exonerations in our DNA Act. However, I've seen a lack of effective ‘follow-through’ in the process. For countries aiming to enact new DNA legislation, addressing this matter in their DNA policies should be a priority. It's also imperative that we identify more effective strategies to confront this issue across Africa, and we invite you to join the conversation and share your suggestions. Read more in this week's 24th edition of #forensicfridays. VL