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Innocent Americans have spent over 25k years in jail before exonerations
These numbers do not reflect those still serving sentences for crimes they claim to be innocent of. Some experts believe that number is likely much higher than the courts are comfortable admitting. This may be because the United States sentencing commission reported almost 97% of plea deals were achieved by offering a reduced sentence, against the fear of going to trial and risking a longer sentence.
(Collage of some of the people that have been exonerated)
According to the National Registry of Exonerations, innocent Americans have spent over 25,600 years in jail before being exonerated.
There have been 2,891 exonerations since the registry began keeping records of cases dating back to 1989. The first time a court upheld DNA evidence was in 1988 (Andrews v. Florida, 533 So. 2d 841 [Fla. App.])
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The United States takes pride is being number one, but we lead in two statistics that are disturbing. Firstly, the US has the highest global prisoner rate per capita, with around 639 prisoners per 100,000. Secondly, the US has the world’s largest private prisoner population. Even more than China.
One example is the case of the “Norfolk 4” where four U.S. Navy sailors spent between 8.5 to nearly 12 years in confinement, for crimes they did not commit. After being exonerated, the group reached a $4.9 million civil settlement with the City of Norfolk. They also received an additional $3.5 million from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
What can be done?
Organizations like the Innocence Project have worked tirelessly to “free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone.”
Government accountability
Last year, President Biden signed an executive order to end federal use of private prisons. Presidential pardons have also been highlighted by the media in the last few years. However, this problem is far too big to rely on the Executive Branch to occasionally step in. There must be comprehensive reform across all levels.
The National Institute of Justice offers training for law-enforcement to raise awareness for how science plays a factor in wrongful convictions. The prerecorded seminar can be viewed by clicking here.
Additionally, a new bill has been introduced to the California State Senate that would “amend the standards” when it comes to certain types of evidence and testimony. Sen. Scott Wiener (D-SF) stated, “Studies show that courts accept most forensic science and expert testimony without sufficient scrutiny, leaving significant room for imprecision and human error. This error leads to the high rate of wrongful convictions. Expert testimony that fails to rely on sound logic should not be considered in court.”
It is not simply enough to ask people, “What if that was your loved one who was wrongfully convicted?” Rather we must remind each other, and our elected leaders, this cannot be the land of the free while innocent Americans forfeit decades of their lives.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” – Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
08/06/2026 - Editors note: Article updated to remove dead links and clarify information.
