All too often, prosecutors' offices fall prey to a culture of conviction-seeking at all costs. Prosecutors who become singularly focused on conviction...
John Terzano | Posted 11.05.2009 | Politics
Despite the great power of prosecutors, few are held accountable for violations of their ethical obligations.
John Terzano | Posted 10.13.2009 | Politics
Of the more than 40 people exonerated by DNA in Texas, one of the most heartbreaking cases is that of Timothy Cole, whose exoneration came too late. In 1999, he died in prison of asthma.
John Terzano | Posted 10.12.2009 | Politics
Two new exonerations reveal the very real threat of false testimony, and the strong need for corroborating evidence to ensure that credible testimony is presented to juries in criminal trials.
John Terzano | Posted 10.09.2009 | Politics
The Texas Forensic Science Commission controversy is ultimately not about politics or the death penalty. At stake is the integrity of scientific evidence in Texas courtrooms, and the erosion of public confidence.
John Terzano | Posted 11.22.2009 | Politics
For twenty innocent Georgians, eight years is the average length of time each spent behind bars for a crime they did not commit.
John Terzano | Posted 09.25.2009 | Politics
Wrongful convictions occur due to a system that is prone to error. In addition to incarcerating a person for a crime they didn't commit, wrongful convictions impose a financial burden on taxpayers.
John Terzano | Posted 09.11.2009 | Politics
Ernest Sonnier's release is just the latest case that highlights the ongoing problem of wrongful convictions in Texas. And writ large, it is a reminder of the continuing struggle we face to fix our nation's broken criminal justice system.
John Terzano | Posted 08.28.2009 | Politics
Prosecutors are the most powerful actors in our criminal justice system. Failure to respond to abuses of power is an enormous threat to public safety and to the integrity of our criminal justice system.
John Terzano | Posted 08.14.2009 | Home
Most people find it hard to understand how anyone could ever confess to a crime they did not commit. But it happens over and over again. False confessions are a well-documented reality.
John Terzano | Posted 07.25.2009 | Politics
Forensic science is not flawless, and its use in the criminal justice system is in great need of reform.
John Terzano | Posted 07.10.2009 | Politics
We recently released a report on thirty-nine DNA cases of wrongful conviction in Texas. Collectively, these thirty-nine innocent men served almost 500 years for crimes they did not commit.
John Terzano | Posted 06.27.2009 | Home
Last night, as the Texas House of Representatives hit the deadline to consider Senate bills, the state lost the opportunity to act on a host of import...
John Terzano | Posted 05.14.2009 | Politics
Prosecutors have power. They have been given that power in part to effectively ensure public safety. Yet, everyday in courtrooms across the country, prosecutors are abusing their powers.
John Terzano | Posted 05.04.2009 | Politics
Eric Holder should be applauded for sending the right message to all prosecutors that abuses of power will not be tolerated.
John Terzano | Posted 05.03.2009 | Politics
For the government to reshape our criminal process from "top-to-bottom," as Senator Webb's legislation calls for, it is crucial this commission examines the causes and costs of wrongful convictions.
John Terzano | Posted 04.29.2009 | Politics
I applaud Governor Bill Richardson for his commitment to the fair administration of justice and hope that he continues to ensure that life and liberty are both protected in New Mexico.
John Terzano | Posted 04.27.2009 | Politics
An analysis of all wrongful convictions in Texas reveals distinct patterns in the types of mistakes that lead to convicting the innocent.
John Terzano | Posted 03.26.2009 | Politics
Ensuring the best and most accurate evidence makes it into the courtroom is absolutely critical to maintaining fairness and accuracy in the criminal justice system.
John Terzano | Posted 02.22.2009 | Politics
Tim Masters was fifteen years old at the time of his alleged crime, and was not convicted until 12 years later. He languished in prison for almost ten years, and spent half his life trying to prove his innocence.
John Terzano | Posted 01.15.2009 | Politics
Investigating the prosecutors who might be responsible for the miscarriages of justice in Florida would be a critical first step in preventing acts of misconduct in the future.
John Terzano | Posted 01.12.2009 | Living
Suppression of exculpatory evidence is one of the leading causes of wrongful conviction. Exculpatory evidence can be withheld for years while an innocent person sits in prison.
John Terzano | Posted 09.12.2008 | Politics
Our criminal justice system continues to place significant obstacles in the way of post-conviction DNA testing that could determine whether the wrong people have been punished for crimes they didn't commit.
John Terzano | Posted 11.23.2009 | Home