Friday, August 28, 2009

Prison Book: The Innocence Commission

http://www.bsos.umd.edu/gvpt/lpbr/pictures/gould0508.jpgThe Innocence Commission: Preventing Wrongful Convictions and Restoring the Criminal Justice System by Jon Gould. Jon Gould is the chair of the Innocence Commission of Virginia (ICVA) and a professor of justice studies as well as an attorney. He writes about the beginnings if the ICVA and how it was created. The book also covers 12 cases of wrongful conviction, how they happened and how the innocent were freed. He lists lessons to be learned from these cases and suggests changes in the way investigations are conducted in order to minimize cases of wrongful conviction in the future.

John Gould also explains the need for an Innocence Commission in every state to protect the rights of the innocent as well as protect society from the real perpetrators of crime.

This book is of a much higher caliber than anything else I've read on the subject. I don't think the suggestions for change in investigative practices are enough, though. I don't believe these changes will ensure no innocent man is ever executed again. Only one measure can ensure that, and that's the abolition of the death penalty.

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