PoliceLink

I just posted on the Capital Punishment topic. In doing so I realized that I raised my own question about the innocent in prison. So hear is my question, all answers are appreciated. Just looking for different views ( and people---remember to rate it)....

Discussion Topic:

An innocent man, or woman, has served years, perhaps decades, in prison for a crime they say they didn't commit. Now, in Dallas County, we are seeing a record number of innocents released. My question is::: After being inprisoned for so long with no one believing you are innocent, and almost all of the majority believing you are a lieing criminal, this person is cleared by DNA. The state releases this person back into society, with an apology and severence, HOW DOES THIS IMPACT THIS PERSONS VIEW ON LIFE...AND IS IT POSSIBLE THAT AFTER LIVING THIS HORRIBLE LIFE, CAN OR WILL THIS AFFECT THIS INDIVIDUAL AS FAR AS BEING A LAW ABIDING CITIZEN?  We know that criminals' behavior usually worsens after inprisonment....will the same be true for innocents set free? Will the "learn what you live factor" play a role in this persons life? And if so, since the system failed them when they were sentenced in the first place, do we owe them if they stray now?

Just curious...don't hold back, I want honesty. NO ONES OPPINION IS WRONG---SHARE IT.  After all, it's what this country is about!!!

a little more for ya,   it makes me sick that someone could go to jail for something they didnt do,  it happens alllll the time, i mean making conviction rates is very improtant to the system.  And that my friend is how mistakes happen.  That person you are talking about is fucken for life, who knows, what they will do they dont have a chance.  In NY same thing happened at Elmira corection facility.  except the man was given a new liver, because they ofcourse refused him any medical treatment worth anything inside the pen.  But he spent 20 years i think it makes me sick.  sorry i hope it upsetts you as much as me.  this can be avoided with some do dilagence in keeping an open mind on a "criminal"  there is nothing worse than a cop who doesnt understand the consequences of there actions. five stars for your effort

I understand what you are saying. And I wasn't trying to make light of a conviction. I know that mistakes happen because we are human and I respect that. I just wanted to see how people felt about finding out, for whatever reason, someone who is innocent ended up being found guilty and then had to begin life over. Also, I understand that a guilty verdict should mean the person is guilty and if later new evidence reverses that decision, that means the guilty party has remained free. I work hard, the same as you and others here to make sure that the criminals end up where they need to be and off the streets.

Thanks for your response to my post.

rsteade says ...

You pose an interesting question that doesn't really have an answer. Everyone convicted in a court of law, either rightfully or wrongfully, had their case heard before a jury of their peers that decided either the prosecution had met their burden of proof (guilt beyond a reasonable doubt) or the defense was successful in introducing reasonable doubt. The very fact that innocent people are being exhonorated shows that the system of checks and balances are working as originally intended. I know that it is small consolation for those effected bit ti is better than nothing. Regardless, no judicial system is infallible or perfect however ours is still the best when compared to the rest.

Thank you rsteade and c_Repine for your honesty and allowing me to see the differences and similarities in RATIONAL thinking.  I fully understand and agree with how our judicial system operates and am also glad to see the 'checks and balances system' are working.  All too often we hear of how our 'system failed' us and senseless comments of that nature. Once again, thank you to those of you who actually took the time to express your opinions in a professional manner, instead of just spouting off from the mouth. This is a discussion that is sure to arise again, so long as we are doing our part to superceed the technology that has brought us to this point. For that, and everything our nationa stands for , I am grateful.

And yes, our judicial system is the best.  I couldn't agree more!! 

It is really impossible to know. We can only speculate. One never knows how the future would have turned out had we taken another road.

With that said, here is a recent CBS News story on the subject of one man that I thought was quite inspiring.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/08/25/earlyshow/living/main795001.shtml