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Thursday, January 17, 2008Compensation for the Innocent
By Greg Bell
Utah State Senator, District 22 One bill I'm running this session deals with compensation of exonerees (those in prison later found innocent by other than DNA evidence). Those proven factually--not just technically--innocent will receive financial assistance. Many states have been settling or paying damages in such cases. This bill provides limited, but clearly stated compensation and cuts off further claim against the state. I think it's the right thing to do, but I would be interested in public input, here or in committee. Thanks.
posted by The Senate Site at 9:44 PM | Link
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4 Comments:
Greg Bell is a wonderful senator. He is the most honest (never takes a thing from lobbyists) and thoughtful of all the legislators. Utah is lucky to have him making decisions on our behalf. Bell for Governor!
Amen! I wish he would run for a leadership position. But I guess the one's who should be in leadership are not because their ego's are in check.
I am so thankful for the compensation of exonerees issue being talked about. I do have a question about whether someone who was exonerated after more evidence than just DNA is what dismissed the case. I am talking about two individuals in 1996 who were released after serving 3.5 years in Utah State prison. They plead their innocense the whole time. They also have been out of prison for almost 12 years. I definately think that you should take a look at their case. Thank you for bringing up this issue.
Under the bill, a person may petition a court for a finding of factual innocence and, if found to be innocent, receive restitution for the years spent in prison. The person petitioning for a finding of innocence may rely on either (or both) DNA and non-DNA evidence. For innocent prisoners still serving lengthy prison sentences, the Rocky Mountain Innocence Center exists as a resource to help prove innocence. A prisoner may write to the Center to request a screening questionnaire at: 358 South 700 East, B235, Salt Lake City, UT 84102.
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