This article is interesting in that it addresses not only an ongoing event, but explores similar past circumstances that relate to the topic. Essentially the article briefly details five different situations in which an innocent man served time in prison for a heinous crime, but was eventually freed due to DNA testing. Michael Morton, the most recent victim and subject of an upcoming CNN film, was accused of beating his wife to death in front of their three year old son. He was tried an convicted in 1986, despite the fact that the jury wasn't shown all the evidence. Through the tenacious efforts of his supporters and further DNA testing, Morton was able to gain his freedom in 2011, though he will never get his time back. The other men, Brian Banks, who was sent away at 17, Douglas Prade, Clarence Harrison and James Bain, who served 35 years in prison before further testing proved his innocence, were all subjected to endure the punishment for a crime they didn't commit. Despite the injustice thrust upon them, the now exonerated men are shockingly optimistic and seem to hold no animosity. Bain, who served the longest by far and whose appeals were repeatedly rejected responded to the announcement of his innocence by simply saying, "I'm not angry."
I find it so incredibly disheartening that these men had to give up such big parts of their lives and were subjected to both the horrors of prison and the ordeal of being determined guilty by a legal system that is supposed to protect the innocent. James Bain has spent well over half his life in prison and was denied any normal life or even the pleasures of young adulthood. Michael Morton and Douglas Prade were accused of killing the women they loved. I can't even imagine how it must feel to be repeatedly tormented and shamed by people who refuse to accept your innocence while in a time of mourning. These scenarios clearly demonstrate the need to review all evidence and be sure facts are known to the entire court. Furthermore, while it was fortunate that none of these men received the death sentence, but the next individual may not be so lucky. By that same thought, I'm not sure how effective responding to capitol crimes such as murder with death is. It's almost like a fighting fire with fire mentality, and while I understand some crimes may to many warrant the death of the criminal, but shouldn't the justice system be above the very acts they have just condemned as being illegal? Anyways, I'm glad these men finally received acknowledgment of their innocence and their freedom, their triumph will serve as inspiration to many people.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/12/05/justice/five-convicted-prisoners-exonerated/index.html?hpt=ju_c2
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