Legal Commentary

Helping the Wrongly Convicted

By TChris

North Carolina might do something useful for the victims of wrongful convictions in that state. In addition to increasing compensation from $20,000 to $50,000 per year of incarceration, the legislative proposal would provide for tuition at a state university campus or community college, or for job training.

The bill is inspired by the recent exoneration of Dwayne Dail, who served almost 20 years before DNA showed he was innocent of the rape he was accused of committing.

Just five people since 2001 qualified for the money so it won't create a big strain on state budgets, but it could have a huge impact on the lives of those who spent years in prison for crimes they did not commit.

North Carolina should pass this bill and other states should follow its example. People who have been unfairly disadvantaged by state action deserve the state's help as they try to get their lives back together. Free health care, housing assistance, and therapy should also be part of the mix.

Full post as published by TalkLeft on June 27, 2008 (boomark / email).