Sometimes the Snitch Recants

We analyzed the role that jailhouse informants have played in DNA exoneration cases. Thus, for first 375 cases compiled by Innocence Project (IP), we reviewed IP information relevant to informant testimony. supplemented from with National Registry of Exonerations (NRE) and Convicting Innocent (CTI) databases. found 15% these included In 13% cases, only evidence supporting a conviction was word informant. also 24% which had at least one informant, recanted, percent provided conviction. There has recently been an effort some jurisdictions reform regard Reforms taken many forms (e.g., pretrial hearings, jury instructions). While states should continue consider adopting procedures curb reliance on unreliable (and researchers test what reforms will best achieve goals), recommend any include consideration recanting informants.