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The Innocence Project Online - March 2010
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 Learning from Wrongful Convictions, Ohio Passes Historic Reforms TX Execution Set for Tomorrow Despite Untested DNA States Work to Strengthen Arson Science Why I Give: A Donor Profile
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Learning from Wrongful Convictions, Ohio Passes Historic Reforms  Ohio lawmakers last week passed a package of sweeping criminal justice reforms aimed at preventing injustice by addressing the leading causes of wrongful convictions. The bill, which Gov. Ted Strickland is expected to sign within days, was called by one lawmaker “one of the most important pieces of criminal justice legislation in this state in a century." Each time DNA testing helps to free an innocent person from prison, we can study how our criminal justice system failed — and address the problem so it doesn’t happen again. Ohio is now a model in targeting reforms to help free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions and apprehend the true perpetrators of crime. The bill includes improvements to lineup procedures, a method for parolees to apply for DNA testing, incentives for police departments to record interrogations and a requirement that evidence in serious crimes be preserved. The Innocence Project worked closely with the Ohio Innocence Project for the last two years to pass these critical reforms. While these reforms are badly needed from coast to coast, the urgency for systemic change became clear in Ohio after the Columbus Dispatch published the groundbreaking series "Test of Convictions," documenting flaws in the state’s system and helping to bring about two exonerations so far. The series’ two reporters, Mike Wagner and Geoff Dutton, will receive the Innocence Network’s first-annual Journalism Award next month. Post to Facebook — Tweet This Article Texas Execution Set for Tomorrow Despite Untested DNA 
Texas authorities are scheduled to execute Hank Skinner tomorrow evening at 6 p.m. CDT despite untested DNA evidence that could prove his innocence or guilt. From the moment he was arrested more than 16 years ago for a triple murder, Skinner has maintained his innocence. He has requested DNA testing for a decade, but Texas courts have repeatedly denied the tests. Thousands of people from around the world have sent letters to Texas Gov. Rick Perry, urging him to delay Skinner’s execution date so DNA testing can proceed. Will you join them by taking action right now? Yesterday, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles announced that it was not recommending clemency in Skinner’s case. His last hopes for a stay that could allow testing to proceed are the U.S. Supreme Court, where he has an appeal pending, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who can order a 30-day delay. Skinner was convicted in 1995 of killing his live-in girlfriend and her two adult sons. His attorneys say they have developed evidence since his trial that calls his guilt into doubt and points to the possible involvement of an alternate suspect. Among the evidence Skinner is seeking to test are knives from the crime scene, hairs from the victim’s hand and a windbreaker possibly worn by the perpetrator. The Innocence Project doesn’t represent Skinner, and we don’t know whether he is guilty or innocent. It is clear, however, that DNA testing should be conducted in Skinner’s case before he is executed. Please take action today by calling on Texas Gov. Rick Perry to stay the execution. Photo: Texas Tribune Post to Facebook — Tweet The Petition States Work to Strengthen Arson Science  Several states announced today that they will seek to prevent injustice in arson cases by ensuring that fire investigations are based on solid science and not folklore. Lawmakers in Arizona, Nebraska and Oklahoma introduced resolutions clarifying that arson investigations should follow a scientific method laid out by the National Fire Protection Agency. And tonight in Washington, D.C., a panel of experts will discuss the state of forensic science and arson investigations. Learn more about the forum’s participants and watch the event streaming live online at 7 p.m. EDT. Among many other topics, the panel will address the case of Cameron Todd Willingham, who was executed in Texas in 2004 for allegedly setting a fire that killed his three daughters. Willingham’s case has brought worldwide attention to the issues of arson investigation and faulty forensics. He was convicted of setting the fire that killed his daughters based in part on arson investigation techniques that have since been debunked, and a report last year in The New Yorker discredited every piece of evidence used to convict him. Willingham’s execution is a stark example of the impact unvalidated science can have in our criminal justice system — but he was not alone in being convicted based on faulty forensics. Arson is one of many disciplines involving forensic techniques that may not be rooted in solid science. A year ago, the National Academy of Sciences issued a groundbreaking report finding serious problems in forensic science nationwide, and calling on Congress to create an independent, science-based capacity to stimulate research in this area, set national standards and ensure that those standards are uniformly enforced. An editorial in Nature magazine this month says “Congress should follow that recommendation without delay.” Post to Facebook — Tweet This Article Why I Give: Barb Hart Retired Special Education Teacher Northville, Michigan
Helping a loved one who was falling through the cracks of a flawed mental health system allowed me to see the need to work within a system for improvements and not give up — ever. I couldn't help but imagine the fear and frustration of innocent victims falling through the cracks of a flawed judicial system and began to understand. Eventually I was awed by the integrity, endurance, patience and forgiveness displayed by so many innocent persons who have been wrongly imprisoned. They are heroes, and they inspire me to be a better person. I'm well past the point where I think cases are isolated. We have a systemic problem. It can be fixed. The Innocent Project has already demonstrated its ability to lead in doing that. Despite my fixed income and flexible mortgage, I strongly believe it's too important not to do something, so I give monthly what I'm able to. I'm well past the point where I think cases are isolated. We have a systemic problem. It can be fixed. The Innocent Project has already demonstrated its ability to lead in doing that. Despite my fixed income and flexible mortgage, I strongly believe it's too important not to do something, so I give monthly what I'm able to. Since you’re reading this article, chances are you already have an "interest" in the Innocence Project, as I once did. Today, I would like to challenge you to change interest into action. Please give something, or if you're already giving and can do more, try to. Please give in proportion to how it's been given you. Your reward will far outweigh the sacrifice. All of society benefits from the work of the Innocence Project. It's wonderful to feel a part of it. |
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