Most intelligent people know that adding fuel or leaves to a burning fire will increase the size and intensity to that fire, and quite possible become uncontrollable. The Federal and state governments of our country have been engaged in this deadly game, and with out Prison Reform wrongful convictions will continue to haunt our correctional system for years.
Wrongful convictions are a reality with the current political and punishment strategy in the U.S.
Over the years there have been many cases in which the verdict was overturned and the inmate was realease upon DNA testing proved his or her innocence. The Innocence Project has come together to attempt to exonerate and cases with the remote possibility of a wrongful conviction and have been quite successful.
The Innocence Project has been quite successful, questioning the legitimacy of many cases
This brings the question to light for us as Americans, with out prison reform can we stand idly and knowingly send innocent men and women to prison? The change must come from the inside and reform must be brought to the policy makers and correctional officials. If not, let the statistics speak for themselves.
- Seventeen people had been sentenced to death before DNA proved their innocence and led to their release.
- The average sentence served by DNA exonerees has been 13 years.
- About 70 percent of those exonerated by DNA testing are members of minority groups.
- In almost 40 percent of DNA exoneration cases, the actual perpetrator has been identified by DNA testing.
- Exonerations have been won in 35 states and Washington, D.C.
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