A wrongful conviction occurs when an individual is found guilty of a crime they did not commit. This can happen due to various factors, including mistaken eyewitness identification, false confessions, or inadequate legal representation. Such errors can lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment and a permanent criminal record. The impact of wrongful convictions extends beyond the innocent individuals affected; it also undermines public trust in the criminal justice system. Organizations like the Innocence Project work to exonerate those wrongfully convicted by using DNA evidence and advocating for legal reforms to prevent future injustices.