A Computational Decision-Tree Approach to Inform Post-Conviction Intake Decisions

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29173/wclawr110

Keywords:

Exonerations, Post-Conviction, Machine Learning, Decision Trees, Latent Class Analysis, National Registry of Exonerations, Decision-Making, Innocence Network, Wrongful Conviction

Abstract

How might data analytic tools support intake decisions? When faced with a request for post-conviction assistance, innocence organizations’ intake staff must determine (1) whether the applicant can be shown to be factually innocent, and (2) whether the organization has the resources to help. These difficult categorization decisions are often made with incomplete information (Weintraub, 2022). We explore data from the National Registry of Exonerations (NRE; 4/26/2023, N = 3,284 exonerations) to inform such decisions, using patterns of features associated with successful prior cases. We first reproduce Berube et al. (2023)’s latent class analysis, identifying four underlying categories across cases. We then apply a second technique to increase transparency, decision tree analysis (WEKA, Frank et al., 2013). Decision trees can decompose complex patterns of data into ordered flows of variables, with the potential to guide intermediate steps that could be tailored to the particular organization’s limitations, areas of expertise, and resources.

Author Biographies

Kalina Kostyszyn

Kalina is a PhD candidate in Stony Brook University's Linguistics Department.

Rosa M. Bermejo

Rosa is a PhD candidate in Stony Brook University’s Psychology Department.

Amie Paige

Amie is a PhD student in Stony Brook University's Psychology Department.

Kristen W. Kalb-DellaRatta

Kristen is the Program Coordinator for the National Science Foundation Research Traineeship, Detecting and Addressing Bias in Data, Humans, and Institutions.

Susan E. Brennan

Susan E. Brennan is Distinguished Professor of Cognitive Science at Stony Brook University's Department of Psychology. 

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Published

2024-05-31

How to Cite

Kostyszyn, K., Wiedemann, C., Bermejo, R., Paige, A., Kalb-DellaRatta, K., & Brennan, S. (2024). A Computational Decision-Tree Approach to Inform Post-Conviction Intake Decisions. The Wrongful Conviction Law Review, 5(1), 80–102. https://doi.org/10.29173/wclawr110