Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions

The Innocence Project and other similar nonprofits symbolize hope and perseverance in the face of systemic injustices. The authors explain that the Innocence Project is an organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals by using DNA evidence and investigative efforts. The book illustrates the vital role of the Innocence Project in bringing to light overlooked evidence, correcting investigative missteps, and advocating for those silenced by the system. The organization not only highlights the structural need for independent bodies to safeguard justice but also serves as a recurring touchpoint in the narrative, underscoring the importance of advocacy, scientific advancements, and legal reform. By showcasing the organization’s impact on real cases, Framed underscores its mission as a beacon for truth and accountability within a deeply flawed judicial framework.

A post-conviction appeal is a mechanism for seeking justice after a conviction has been rendered, particularly in cases involving wrongful convictions. The term refers to the legal process where individuals challenge their convictions based on new evidence, procedural errors, or violations of their rights during trial. The book illustrates how post-conviction appeals often become a beacon of hope for the wrongfully accused, as seen in cases where diligent legal advocates uncover evidence that was overlooked or suppressed. However, it also exposes the limitations of the appeals process, including procedural hurdles, reluctance from courts to revisit verdicts, and the uphill battle of overturning convictions in the face of entrenched systemic biases. By highlighting both successes and failures within this process, Framed underscores its importance in correcting miscarriages of justice while advocating for reforms to make it more accessible and effective for those seeking exoneration.

“Presumption of innocence” emerges as a pivotal concept in Framed, highlighting a foundational principle of justice that is often disregarded in wrongful conviction cases. Defined as the legal right of an accused person to be considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, the term is frequently subverted by systemic biases, public pressure, and prosecutorial zeal. The book illustrates how this principle is overshadowed by preconceptions and flawed investigative practices, as seen in cases where guilt is assumed prematurely due to unreliable witnesses, faulty forensics, or media influence. By exposing the erosion of this presumption, Framed critiques a legal culture that prioritizes swift convictions over fair trials, demonstrating the catastrophic consequences for those falsely accused. This term informs the work by serving as a measure against which the Systemic Flaws in the Criminal Justice System are assessed, reinforcing The Need for Advocacy and Reform to uphold this critical safeguard of individual rights.