These are some of the things that happen at trials that can help convict an innocent person.
Questionable conduct by lawyers, judges, and proseutors. In their haste to convict they make mistakes and sometimes convict the wrong person.
The questionable conduct includes:
Courtroom misconduct (making inappropriate or inflammatory comments in the presence of the jury; introducing or attempting to introduce inadmissible, inappropriate or inflammatory evidence; mischaracterizing the evidence or the facts of the case to the court or jury; committing violations pertaining to the selection of the jury; or making improper closing arguments);
Mishandling of physical evidence (hiding, destroying or tampering with evidence, case files or court records);
Failing to disclose exculpatory evidence;
Threatening, badgering or tampering with the witnesses;
Using false or misleading evidence;
Harassing, displaying bias toward, or having a vendetta against the defendant or defendant's counsel (including selective or vindictive prosecution,
Improper behavior during the proceedings.
http://somd.com/news/headlines/2007/6547.shtml This name was raised many times to my lawyer before, during, and after my trial.
Maryland like many other states make their share of mistakes. http://www.publicintegrity.org/pm/states.aspx?act=list&st=MD