The judicial system is supposed to work like this: Evidence is presented, testimony is heard and a judge or jury determines a just verdict.
The system doesn't always work as it should. Eyewitness testimony has proved to be flawed, as shown by the frequency with which DNA evidence results in verdicts being overturned. There have been more than 300 wrongful convictions overturned due to DNA …
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Can the science of psychology help prevent wrongful convictions?
January 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment
A mother fights in the war on wrongful convictions BY MARY MITCHELL
November 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
BY MARY MITCHELL
I don’t know where black mothers get their strength.
During slavery, young black mothers had to watch their children being sold off to distant plantations never to be heard from again.
Today, too many young black mothers are seeing their sons get killed in the street, while others are watching black youth get locked away for the rest of their lives for pulling the …
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NY woman gets $2.7M for wrongful conviction in daughter’s murder; she spent 13 years in prison
November 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
By Associated Press, Published: November 13
BUFFALO, N.Y. — A New York woman who spent more than 13 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of killing her teenage daughter has reached a $2.7 million settlement with the state, her attorney said Tuesday.
Lynn DeJac Peters, whose conviction was overturned in 2007 on the basis of DNA evidence, initially sought more than $10 million in …
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Can police collect DNA before conviction? Supreme Court to hear case.
November 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Many states allow police to collect DNA samples from people who have been arrested. But others see that as a violation of the Fourth Amendment. Now, the Supreme Court will step in.
By Warren Richey
The US Supreme Court on Friday agreed to take up a case examining whether the Fourth Amendment permits police to collect and analyze a person’s DNA at the time of arrest or whether they …
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AP Interview: Wrongfully convicted Texas man wants harsher penalties for prosecutor misconduct
March 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
AUSTIN, Texas - A Texas father who spent nearly 25 years behind bars for a murder he didn't commit is pressing for tougher penalties targeting prosecutors who withhold evidence, saying he wants to prevent other innocent people from falling victim to overzealous authorities.
"This isn't about me because my case is finished," Michael Morton said during an interview Thursday with The Associated …
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Editorial: An Incomplete DNA Deal
March 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
A major expansion of New York State’s DNA database signed into law last week by Gov. Andrew Cuomo will enhance the ability of law enforcement to convict the guilty and, in some cases, exonerate the innocent. But, disappointingly, the measure still leaves New York State without certain protections to avoid wrongful convictions.
The new measure requires people convicted of any crime, …
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Senate Hears Arguments to Re-enact ‘Justice For All Act’
March 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Thomas Haynesworth walked freely into his mother's home on his 46th birthday, the first time in 27 years he had hugged her outside of the confines of Greensville Correctional Center in Jaratt, Virginia. At 18, Haynesworth was arrested while on his way to a grocery store, and later convicted of a series of rapes he did not commit, ultimately resulting in a 74-year prison sentence. During the time …
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Deskovic opens office to fight wrongful convictions
March 16, 2012 By 1 Comment
NEW YORK – There was a sense of pride in the crowd today as Jeffrey Deskovic officially opened an organization to combat wrongful convictions.
There were onlookers seeking help for their own incarcerated relatives and there were people who have watched Deskovic weather years in prison and the uncertain times since his release.
Deskovic, now 38, spent nearly 16 years in prison for a murder …
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New York State Set to Add All Convict DNA to Its Database
March 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
ALBANY — New York is poised to establish one of the most expansive DNA databases in the nation, requiring people convicted of everything from fare beating to first-degree murder to provide samples of their DNA to the state.
On Tuesday, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and state lawmakers were putting the finishing touches on a deal to establish a so-called all-crimes DNA database, a move that is …
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