Human Fallability

Cheng Jie CHIKYi Shin LEEWei Zheng TEOEugene TOH

Definition

• fal·li·ble – The likelihood of making errors– i.e. the possibility of mistaken conviction in court.

Case study #1: Claude Jones

• Ambiguity of evidence– Hair found at crime scene said to be Jones’s– Later tests matched it with the victim

Claude Jones

Case study #2: James Bain

• Discrimination– Racial/religious prejudice

• Jailed for life because of eyewitness misidentification

• Request for DNA tests denied for 8 years

James Bain

Case study #3: Ismil Kadar

• Singapore (July 2011)• Mentally disabled defendant (IQ 73)– Police did not follow proper procedure, and

defendant did not realise• Sentence overturned after 6 years by an

appeal court

Case Study #4: Timothy Hennis

• Wrongful Exoneration• 1st Trial: Convicted guilty• 2nd Trial: Exonerated after a retrial– Fight to prove ‘innocence’ was portrayed in a book

and a movie• 3rd Trial: Convicted again due to DNA tests on

semen sample taken from victim

The End

• Any questions?

(Note to Eugene & Yishin, there is a link to each of the articles in the notes of the ppt. )