Wrongful Convictions Can Be Devistating

Why is it so important that society get criminal conviction decisions right and stamp out police misconduct that can produce them? Because the harmful impact of a wrongful conviction for a seriouus crime can be immense.

George Rodriguez, 48, gained his freedom in 2004 after DNA tests discredited the findings of the troubled Houston Police Department crime lab on his case. By that time, he had served nearly two decades in prison. His father had died. His daughters faced abuse from men their mother lived with.

Another day in Texas, where juries convict defendants easily, but also met out huge civil damages awards, on a regular basis.