What a difference a DA makes
Today, Dallas DA Craig Watkins. announced a partnership with the Innocence Project that will review the cases of 354 people. Convictions going back to 1970. http://www.kltv.com/Global/story.asp?S=6097342
It's a great thing, it's absolutely the right thing to do, and I wish it wasn't so gobstoppingly amazing.
Under the old Bill Hill regime, DNA testing was fought by the DA's office tooth and nail. And when 12 people were eventually exonerated, the Hill gang still clung to the assertion that post-conviction DNA testing was a waste of taxpayer resources.
Now the DA's office will actively participate, contributing lawyers, money, and law students (Wesleyan law students, SMU wouldn't want to tarnish its image by participating in something so messy and compassionate).
Hats off to Craig Watkins, I never thought it possible.
It's a great thing, it's absolutely the right thing to do, and I wish it wasn't so gobstoppingly amazing.
Under the old Bill Hill regime, DNA testing was fought by the DA's office tooth and nail. And when 12 people were eventually exonerated, the Hill gang still clung to the assertion that post-conviction DNA testing was a waste of taxpayer resources.
Now the DA's office will actively participate, contributing lawyers, money, and law students (Wesleyan law students, SMU wouldn't want to tarnish its image by participating in something so messy and compassionate).
Hats off to Craig Watkins, I never thought it possible.