posted by Justice on Oct 6
Thanks to hundreds of generous donors from all over the world, including many regular Innocence Blog readers, we reached our September goal of $25,000 to help us pay for DNA testing for Innocence Project clients! We are deeply grateful for your support. Our DNA testing campaign was a great success, but it’s never too late to help us free the innocent
Thank You, Blog Readers
Thanks to hundreds of generous donors from all over the world, including many regular Innocence Blog readers, we reached our September goal of $25,000 to help us pay for DNA testing for Innocence Project clients! We are deeply grateful for your support.
Our DNA testing campaign was a great success, but it’s never too late to help us free the innocent. You can make a tax-deductible donation online or by mail. Every dollar supports the Innocence Project's work to overturn wrongful convictions and reform the criminal justice system.
And if you’re not able to donate but want to get involved in other ways, check out our “10 Things You Can Do” page here.
Tags: , law, pro bono
posted by Justice on Sep 10
A new state law takes effect in Texas this week compensating the exonerated with $80,000 for each year they spent in prison.
New Texas Compensation Law Takes Effect
A new state law takes effect in Texas this week compensating the exonerated with $80,000 for each year they spent in prison. The bill also includes services such as job training, tuition credits and access to medical and dental treatment, and it compensates the exonerated both for time spent in prison and for time on parole (at a rate of $25,000 per year). Although Texas is one of 27 states with an exoneree compensation law, no other state provides this level of social services or compensates the exonerated for years on parole (often as registered sex offenders).
Thomas McGowan, who met recently with the victim in his case who misidentified him and the lead officer in the investigation, said he is looking forward to receiving compensation to help him rebuild his life.
“I'm nervous and excited,” said McGowan, 50. “It's something I never had, this amount of money. I didn't have any money – period.”
Read the full story. (Associated Press, 9/4/09)
Tags: pro bono, , Innocence Project
posted by Justice on Sep 10
Watch online tomorrow at 10 a.m. EST as Innocence Project Co-Director Peter Neufeld testifies before the U.S
Watch Live: Senate Judiciary Hearing on Forensic Reform
Watch online tomorrow at 10 a.m. EST as Innocence Project Co-Director Peter Neufeld testifies before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee on the need for a National Institute of Forensic Science. He will be joined by Law Professor Paul Giannelli, Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt, a lab director and two prosecutors.
Visit this link at 10 a.m. EST to watch live.
The Innocence Project has called for the creation of an independent federal agency to support and oversee forensic science practices across the country. Learn more and voice your support for forensic reform at the Just Science Coalition website.
Tags: injustice, Barrister, Layla D’monte
