You know, another huge factor that needs to be minimized, if it can't be eliminated, is the politicization of convictions. From the Governor to the DA (in those jurisdictions where the DA is elected) they all play on convictions in their "tough on crime" stumping. This leads to enormous pressure among the police departments as well as the DA's offices to, not just solve crimes, but to get convictions.
When all is said and done, I have to agree with William Blackstone. "It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer." Considering the number of wrongful convictions we've gotten from cases decided primarily by testimony, I don't see how anyone who agrees with his statement can argue in favor of testimony being anything other than corroborating evidence.
I know this is where RR is going to trot out his tired what ifs and declare that physical evidence can point to the wrong person too, but if physical evidence had as bad a track record as testimony, he'd be able to point out actual cases instead of blogs and allegory.
When all is said and done, I have to agree with William Blackstone. "It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer." Considering the number of wrongful convictions we've gotten from cases decided primarily by testimony, I don't see how anyone who agrees with his statement can argue in favor of testimony being anything other than corroborating evidence.
I know this is where RR is going to trot out his tired what ifs and declare that physical evidence can point to the wrong person too, but if physical evidence had as bad a track record as testimony, he'd be able to point out actual cases instead of blogs and allegory.
Thief and assassin for hire. Member in good standing of the Rogues Guild.
