The Innocence Project of Texas

Everyone knows that defendants are “presumed innocent” before they are convicted. Prosecutors must overcome this basic presumption beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. But is the innocence that’s “presumed” the same as “actual innocence” for purposes of applying Texas’ compensation statute for wrongful convictions?
That’s a legal hair the courts are just beginning to […]

Two panel discussions will be held in Dallas this Saturday covering the topics of DNA exonerations and wrongful convictions. The discussions, organized by Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, will feature commentary by several local exonerees, Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins, and Jeff Blackburn, Chief Counsel for the Innocence Project of Texas. Judge John […]

Yesterday, Court of Criminal Appeals Judge Barbara Hervey announced the formation of the Criminal Justice Integrity Unit, which will examine potential reforms to curb the problem of wrongful convictions. Associated Press writer Jim Vertuno reports:
The state’s highest criminal appeals court said Wednesday it will create a new integrity unit to examine and correct problems […]