Published on Do Something (http://www.dosomething.org)

Home > Terms You Should Know About Wrong Imprisonment

Terms You Should Know About Wrong Imprisonment

Autonomy:

The right to self-determination.

Conviction:

To find or prove (someone) guilty of an offense or crime, especially by the verdict of a court.

Death Penalty:

A sentence of punishment by execution.

DNA Test:

A test that can be done to fairly accurately determine the guilt or innocence of a person in a particular crime scene. Since DNA is unique to each person, experts can look to see if particular strips of DNA match.

Exonerate:

To clear, as of an accusation; free from guilt or blame; exculpate.

Eyewitness:

A person who was at the scene of the crime and gives their story about what happened. Often, asked to testify and identify the perpetrator.

Forensic Science:

The study of evidence found at a crime scene. It is used in the courts to determine the innocence or guilt of those accused.

Incarcerate:

To imprison; confine.

Prison:

A building for the confinement of persons held while awaiting trial, persons sentenced after conviction, etc.

Sources
DNA Testing: An Introduction For Non-Scientists An Illustrated Explanation [1]

Discrimination [2]
Wrongful Imprisonment [3]

Source URL: http://www.dosomething.org/tipsandtools/terms-you-should-know-about-wrong-imprisionment

Links:
[1] http://www.scientific.org/tutorials/articles/riley/riley.html
[2] http://www.dosomething.org/cause/discrimination
[3] http://www.dosomething.org/issues/wrongful-imprisonment