DNA Evidence Frees Convincted Rapists in Virginia

The goal of the courts is to deliver justice by putting the bad guys in jail. But what happens when innocent people get sent to prison for crimes they didn't commit?

In the 1970's and 1980's there was no DNA technology, so suspects were convicted of crimes using circumstantial evidence and eye-witness testimony. Some of these convicted felons swear they are innocent.

An article at a Charlottesville, VA news website has reported that new DNA tests for criminals who say they are innocent is being completed. Two convicted rapists have already been released. This issue is extremely widespread. The Innocence Project has already overturned 238 wrongful convictions using DNA testing. According to the Innocence project, forensics accounts for 52% of the flaws in wrongful convictions nationwide.

There needs to be better education and processes put in place so this does not keep happening. Thankfully, in 2009, we have forensic DNA testing technology widely available to those in need.