How many people have been executed using the death penalty since 1776 and have since been proven innocent?

Since 1776, it is estimated that at least 20 individuals in the United States have been executed and later proven innocent. This number highlights the critical issues surrounding the death penalty, including the potential for wrongful convictions and the irreversible nature of capital punishment. Efforts to reform the justice system continue to address these concerns, emphasizing the need for fairness and accuracy in legal proceedings.