exonerated

Exonerated refers to the status of being formally declared not guilty of a crime for which a person was previously convicted, or for which charges were brought. It is typically the result of review that finds new evidence, legal defects, or other factors that undermine the basis of the conviction. Exoneration is distinct from acquittal, which is a not guilty verdict at trial, and from a pardon, which may forgive wrongdoing but does not always declare innocence.

Exoneration may occur when new evidence proves innocence (for example, DNA testing), recantations by witnesses, or investigations revealing prosecutorial or police misconduct, or errors in the trial. Post-conviction relief mechanisms include appeals, retrials, vacating convictions, and, in some jurisdictions, official exoneration or pardons. These actions can lead to release from prison, expungement of records, and restoration of rights.

Since the late 20th century, DNA testing has driven many exonerations. Organizations like the Innocence Project advocate for post-conviction review. Notable cases include Kirk Bloodsworth (the first American on death row exonerated by DNA in 1993) and the Central Park jogger case exonerated in 2002; others have been exonerated after decades of imprisonment.

Exonerations prompt reforms in policing, prosecutors’ offices, and legal aid, including compensation laws for the wrongfully convicted and improvements to forensic standards. They also highlight limits of the justice system and the importance of safeguarding rights. See also: innocence projects, wrongful conviction, post-conviction relief.