"Actual innocence" refers to the situation where someone is completely innocent of a crime they have been accused or convicted of. It means that they did not commit the crime at all. Full definition
A certificate of actual innocence is only available to those who were convicted of crimes that they were later found innocent of. (floridainnocence.org)
We use newly discovered evidence, predominantly DNA testing, to prove actual innocence. (floridainnocence.org)
A claim of actual Innocence in habeas proceedings can not be deemed a waiver of the attorney / client and work product privileges. (innocencenetwork.org)