A case study on shortage of evidence in wrongful convictions in China

Abstract

The judiciary can only get to know the facts of a case that occurred in the past through limited evidence, and even with the shortage of evidence, the facts are fuzzy just like the moon on water. Wrongful convictions are very often based on a shortage of evidence and an ambiguity of facts. In those cases, judges face a dilemma in finding facts and applying rules of law. In order to prevent wrongful convictions, it is important to clarify the standard of evidence, to promote the legality of criminal investigation and to improve the assessment of evidence.