A man is wrongfully charged and convicted of murder. He is given a life sentence. He served 15 years in federal penitentuary. This week, new DNA evidence proves that he had no connection to the murder, but, in fact, the DNA belongs to another man who, not only committed the murder, but committed suicide 2 years ago. There is no way to bring the perpetrator to justice for he is no longer living. What do you feel is the fair thing to do regarding compensation for an individual who has been falsely accused, convicted, and sentenced for a crime that he never committed? Just simply setting him free is not enough. What about his name?, His marriage that failed? His children that grew up without him?, His career?. What are your thoughts?
2007-03-06 06:07:51 · 6 answers · asked by POOHBEAR 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I think the state should take care of him and his family for the rest of their life
2007-03-06 06:16:44 · answer #1 · answered by Bee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in WV, the first person that was exonerated because of DNA testing lives near me. He received compensation from the state of $1M. The state had an insurance policy that paid out for him. He was accused for a series of rapes and was found and arrested in record time. Many people thought that he might have been innocent, but noway to prove it. It is now suspected that his brother committed the rapes, and he hasn't been seen since the sentencing.
2007-03-06 14:26:49 · answer #2 · answered by Ben H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There can be a HUGE difference between doing what is 'legally required' and doing what is 'fair' ... and because 'the legal authorities' cannot turn time 'back' so that the wrongly convicted man could live his 'free life' over again, the 'best thing' should be that he is 'free' and that there is 'proof on paper' that he was 'wrongly convicted' and he is now 'free' to 'build himself a new good life' ... which may be 'wrong' but is really 'the most important part' of what he'd lost while he was in jail ... his FREEDOM.
2007-03-06 14:26:13 · answer #3 · answered by Kris L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that therre should be a huge compensation for these people. They should get set up for life. They should be able to live the amount of time they were held in prison as they please as long as its reasonable and legal. They should be able to get their name cleared too.The sad thing is all these guys do get is a oh hey sorry about that man good luck. Its crap!!
2007-03-06 14:15:05 · answer #4 · answered by ByouTfull 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it is very hard to put a price tag on living as a free person. however if it can be done, they should obviously pay and make right whatever they can in his case.
2007-03-06 14:28:08 · answer #5 · answered by zxangy300 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if it repairs all of the damage, but 10 million sure would help.
http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-74-713-4230/people/milgaard/clip12
2007-03-06 14:34:20 · answer #6 · answered by elysialaw 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋