false convictions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "false convictions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing wrongful judgments or beliefs, particularly in legal or moral discussions. Example: "The documentary highlighted several cases of false convictions that led to innocent people spending years in prison."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

A21 Thousands of False Convictions A study of 328 criminal cases over the last 15 years in which the convicted person was exonerated suggests that thousands of people in prison have been falsely convicted.

The New York Times

One is that false convictions carry too high a cost.

The Economist

Nobody knows how many false convictions happen in America.

The New York Times

The practice, they say, would deter false convictions by discouraging misconduct and manipulation by the police.

The New York Times

This suggests that the number of false convictions is higher than previously understood.

The New York Times

Are we to believe that false convictions basically never occur in drug cases, robberies or frauds?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

(And, in the process, effectively shouldered aside criticism of his office for the false conviction).

The New York Times

"I think given the facts of my false conviction, the truth will eventually prevail," he said.

The New York Times

"The Prosecution Rests, but I Can't," by John Thompson (Op-Ed, April 10), about the false conviction of Mr. Thompson for robbery and murder, was an eye-opener.

The New York Times

The most recent prisoner to be exonerated by DNA evidence was Dwayne Allen Dail, who served 18 years in North Carolina for a false conviction of child rape.

The New York Times

"I was under the false conviction, well conveyed to me during the Reagan years, that the era of movements was over," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "false convictions", consider providing specific details or examples to illustrate the human impact and systemic issues involved.

Common error

While "false convictions" are a serious issue, avoid exaggerating their prevalence without reliable data. Use precise language and cite credible sources to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "false convictions" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies and categorizes specific instances where individuals are wrongly found guilty in a court of law. Ludwig confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "false convictions" is a common and grammatically correct term used to describe wrongful judgments in the legal system. Ludwig AI indicates its widespread usability across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately and with supporting details to highlight the severity of the issue. Alternative phrases like "wrongful convictions" or "erroneous convictions" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid exaggerating the frequency of "false convictions" without proper evidence and cite credible sources to ensure accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrongful convictions

Emphasizes the injustice and incorrectness of the convictions.

erroneous convictions

Highlights the mistake or error in the conviction process.

unjust convictions

Focuses on the lack of fairness and righteousness in the convictions.

mistaken convictions

Underlines the element of unintentional error leading to the conviction.

flawed verdicts

Points to the defects and imperfections in the legal decision.

miscarriages of justice

Indicates a failure of the justice system resulting in wrongful punishment.

judicial errors

Directly addresses the mistakes made by the judiciary.

unfounded accusations leading to conviction

Highlights how baseless claims resulted in a conviction.

fabricated evidence resulting in guilty verdicts

Explains that falsified evidence was the reason for the verdict of guilty.

innocent individuals wrongly convicted

Specifies that those found guilty were not in fact guilty.

FAQs

How can I use "false convictions" in a sentence?

You can use "false convictions" to discuss miscarriages of justice, as in: "The documentary exposed several cases of "false convictions" that led to innocent people spending years in prison."

What's the difference between "false convictions" and "wrongful convictions"?

The terms "false convictions" and "wrongful convictions" are often used interchangeably. However, "false convictions" may emphasize the factual inaccuracy of the verdict, while "wrongful convictions" highlights the injustice of the outcome.

Which is the correct phrase: "false convictions" or "fake convictions"?

"False convictions" is more appropriate than "fake convictions" in formal and legal contexts. "False" suggests an error or inaccuracy, whereas "fake" implies deliberate fabrication.

What factors contribute to "false convictions"?

Several factors can contribute to "false convictions" including faulty eyewitness testimony, coerced confessions, flawed forensic evidence, and prosecutorial misconduct.