Untruthful or incorrect testimony can lead to wrongful convictions, especially where there is no concrete physical evidence.
The most common form of informant testimony is from a “jailhouse snitch.” They are often offered incentives to testify, such as a lighter sentence, the withdrawal of criminal charges, or money. In many past wrongful conviction cases, the “deal” given to the informant in exchange for his testimony was kept secret from the defence and the trier of fact.
Witnesses are a powerful tool in a criminal proceeding. If the prosecution and defence are cognizant of the challenges posed by the testimony of certain witnesses, and judges recognize an unreliable witness when presented and properly instructs a jury – it will have profound effects on ensuring the rates wrongful convictions are diminished.