Record-Breaking 2013 Exonerations In The United States.pdf

In 2013, the United States experienced a record-breaking year for exonerations, with 87 known cases, an increase from the previous high of 83 in 2009. Texas, Illinois, New York, Washington, and California led the states with the most exonerations. DNA-based exonerations declined while non-DNA exonerations rose, reflecting a long-term trend.

Key trends observed:

- Decline in DNA Exonerations: The number of DNA exonerations has decreased from 23 in 2005 to 18 in 2013, while non-DNA exonerations have increased.
- No-Crime Exonerations: Almost a third (27) of the 87 known exonerations in 2013 occurred in cases where no crime was committed, primarily drug convictions.
- Guilty Pleas: A record number of 15 exonerations involved defendants who pleaded guilty, indicating a growing willingness to investigate and rectify false convictions.
- Non-Violent Crimes: Exonerations expanded beyond murder and rape, with 29 (33%) cases in 2013 not involving these crimes, marking a 24% increase from the previous five years.
- Law Enforcement Cooperation: Thirty-three (38%) exonerations in 2013 were initiated or involved cooperation from law enforcement, slightly down from the previous year but consistent with an increasing trend of proactive reinvestigation.

The data suggests a growing willingness to address various types of wrongful convictions, including those without strong biological evidence and cases involving guilty pleas. As of January 1, 2014, the National Registry of Exonerations listed 891 known exonerations since 1989.