Innocence Blog

February 7, 2007

Welcome the Innocence Project’s new website!

Yesterday we launched this improved website, including tons of new features for you to explore the causes of wrongful conviction and learn about reforms that are underway to prevent injustices from happening in the future.

One of the new features is this blog, which will be updated every weekday and will include additional features very soon. Be sure to also take a look at the National View map and to explore the case profiles section, including background information on all 194 DNA exonerations to date in the United States.

We will also be sending the first issue of our new monthly e-mail newsletter in the next few days. Sign up online now to receive updates on our work in your inbox.

TN death row inmate demands release or a new trial

Lawyers for Paul Gregory House filed an appeal on Tuesday asking a federal judge to release him from his “illegal conviction and death sentence” unless the state grants a new trial within 90 days.

Last June, the U.S. Supreme Court decided that House, who is on Tennessee’s death row, dcould challenge his conviction because of new scientific evidence. House was convicted of rape and murder more than 20 years ago and has proclaimed his innocence from day one. Post-conviction DNA testing has shown that the jury heard false information about the forensic evidence collected and tested in the case.

Now, House’s case is back in the courtroom of the same federal judge who upheld his death sentence years ago.

"I’d like to think the judge would rule quickly," says Stephen Kissinger, the federal public defender representing House. "We are sitting around discussing whether this innocent person’s constitutional rights were violated while he is still sitting on death row."

But if the history of this convoluted case is any indication, a quick resolution is optimistic at best.

Read the full story. (Nashville Scene. 02/07/07)

 


Proposed Connecticut budget includes $500,000 compensation for exoneree

James Tillman, who was exonerated last year in Connecticut after serving 18 years for a rape he didn't commit, would be compensated in a one-time payment in the governor's proposed budget.

 
Tillman was at the Capitol on Wednesday as Rell presented her two-year budget plan.

"While there is no way to recapture time lost to compensate for the tragedy of injustice, I firmly believe that the state owes Mr. Tillman some form of reparation," said Rell, who received a standing ovation.

She said she is proposing a tax-free lump sum payment to help Tillman re-establish his life.

"Mr. Tillman, I apologize on behalf of the state. I thank you for your grace and dignity in dealing with this injustice and I wish you well in the next chapter of your life," Rell said. "Ladies and gentlemen, you've never met a more nice, kind, gentle man than Mr. Tillman."

Tillman said he was pleased with Rell's apology and planned to discuss the amount of the proposed payment with his lawyers.

Read the full story. (NY Newsday, 02/07/07)
 
  • Read about Tillman's case.
  • 21 States have laws compensating the wrongly convicted; is yours one?
  • The amount proposed is about $27,000 for each year James Tillman served. The federal government has set the standard at $50,000 per year in exoneree compensation. Learn more about the issue in our Fix The System section.

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