Trapped in the System

http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/14/opinion/14HERB.html?pagewanted=print&position=

"So what do you do if you've put the wrong man on death row, and you've got the evidence in hand to prove who really committed the murder?

"One of the great problems of the American criminal justice system is that this is not an easy call. Once an innocent person is trapped in the system, it's extremely difficult to get him — or her — extricated."

(snip)

"This is the trifecta in terms of what's wrong with the death penalty," said Mr. Sothern. "Ryan was a juvenile at the time of the murder, he's retarded, and he's innocent."

(snip)

"It's easy to say what should happen. Mr. Matthews's conviction should be thrown out as quickly as possible, and the case against Rondell Love should be vigorously pursued. But freeing someone who has been wrongfully convicted is a torturously slow and difficult process, with no guarantee at any time that it will end positively."

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http://www.nytimes.com/2003/07/14/opinion/14HERB.html?pagewanted=print&position=