Constitutional Law

Groups Challenging Validity of Convictions Without DNA Evidence

Without DNA evidence, wrongfully convicted individuals have a much heavier burden in seeking justice. The New York Times reports on new groups that have formed to challenge wrongful convictions where no DNA evidence is available. The newspaper reports that DNA evidence has been successfully used “to exonerate more than 230 people wrongfully convicted nationwide,” but that attempts to overturn wrongful convictions where DNA evidence is not available is much harder. But clinics at universities, such as the University of Michigan and Virginia, are working to change the landscape.

The newspaper cites the Exoneration Initiative, formed recently by a New York City defense attorney. The Initiative’s Web Site states the group is “driven by its quest to free the innocent and to educate the public and the judiciary about the failings of the criminal justice system.” Dallas District Attorney Craig Watkins, told The Times that his office is working to nullify wrongful convictions after DNA tests resulted in 13 exonerations. His office, the newspaper reported, has established a conviction integrity unit to re-examine hundreds of convictions. “This is about the duty of the district attorney to seek justice,” he told the newspaper. “Justice means we right the wrongs of the past.” Watkins, a frequent ACS participant, spoke at the 2008 ACS National Convention as part of a panel discussion on the role of judges in plea bargains. Video of the panel discussion is available here.

Full post as published by ACS Blog on February 09, 2009 (boomark / email).