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DNA Laws and the Pursuit of Racial Justice: Access to Forensic DNA Technology and the Exoneration of the Wrongfully Convicted

Author

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  • d’Este, Rocco
  • Yuchtman, Noam

Abstract

We provide evidence that the passage of “DNA laws†streamlining access to forensic DNA technology was a watershed in the exoneration of Black Americans. Exploiting staggered adoption across states, we find that DNA laws increased exonerations of wrongfully convicted Black individuals serving life sentences for sexual offenses by nearly 200%, freeing over 50 individuals — plausibly over 10% of the wrongfully convicted — and saving nearly 900 years of prison time. Our findings suggest that DNA laws redressed longstanding inequalities in access to other exoneration pathways. More generally, changes on multiple margins (technological and legal) may be necessary to reduce racial disparities.

Suggested Citation

  • d’Este, Rocco & Yuchtman, Noam, 2026. "DNA Laws and the Pursuit of Racial Justice: Access to Forensic DNA Technology and the Exoneration of the Wrongfully Convicted," CEPR Discussion Papers 21309, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:21309
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    JEL classification:

    • K40 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - General
    • J15 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
    • D63 - Microeconomics - - Welfare Economics - - - Equity, Justice, Inequality, and Other Normative Criteria and Measurement

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