http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/the_bonus/01/25/terry.harrington/index.html Terry Harrington spent 25 years in jail for a murder he didn't commit. The link above is to a three page article on SI.com that was very interesting to me. Along the way you'll read about some prison violence, racial discrimination, coverups, Brady Violations, etc. I think it is a worthwhile read for anyone who has a few minutes.
The legal system has been broken for a long time because the people we hire to uphold the law are not held accountable for anything.
Great read. Simultaneously sad and uplifting story. Interesting in that regarding the response above, Terry's case would have addressed this at the Supreme Court. Can't blame him for taking the money, though.
Quick summary of what this is addressing for those who don't read the whole thing: After a woman researches the case for years and gets her hands on case files from the police in question, it is discovered that they literally framed this man. Hiding facts of investigations they did that revealed another suspect, hiding witness statements that identified the correct shooter, coaching testimony from people and giving them reward money to identify the man they wanted, etc. After being freed, Terry Harrington sued the prosecutors and took it all the way to the Supreme court. In question was a prosecutor's immunity. In this case it was pretty clear that they framed this man for murder. Should they and can they be held personally liable for this? The prosecutor's defense team argued that they should not because of immunity and that a person does not have a Constitutional right to not be framed. (lol) Before the SC could rule, Terry accepted a settlement. The issue remains in limbo.
Money is nothing. I'm talking jail time. Cops get reduced sentences when they commit a crime even when on duty. Often they only suspended or fire for misconduct. DA don't get anything when they put innocent people behind bars. Policing yourself when you have that much power doesn't work. Judges also have too much power.
You want to know why people don't trust the Justice system? There's your answer. You can't put a price on the prime years of your life.
Great story. But what ever happened to the original murder suspect Charles Gates? Glad Terry Harrington was compensated - even though $7M surely doesn't make up for 25 years in prison.
