Innocence is Key

A major issue surrounding the death penalty is the remaining question of innocence in many capital cases. In Ohio alone the has been 6 exoneration's from men who were convicted and sentenced to death, only later to find out they were innocent all along. This number could very well rise in the near future with one case pending a last appeal, although innocence from the crime has already been proven. The other case relies on DNA evidence that is pending to prove a man innocent as he sets on death row. This has not only been an issue in Ohio but has spread across America as well.

                Across the country there have been over 140 exoneration's since 1973. This is an astounding amount of innocent people that have been almost put to death for a crime they did not commit. These are the ones that the system has caught and freed. There are many other instances of overwhelming evidence proving innocence, yet an execution still occurs. This is one of the reasons I think we have such a flawed system. We have put safe guards in place; however, these safeguards do not always protect the innocent.

                The story of Cameron Todd Willingham is one that stands out when speaking of innocent people condemned to death. Willingham was convicted in the arson death of his two children. During trial all evidence suggested that Willingham lit the fire due to the arson report. It was even suggested that the scorch marks left a pentagram on the floor, leaving Willingham accused of devil worship. Before the execution a arson expert examined the suspected fire and his findings lead him to a different conclusion. The expert did not agree with the previous thoughts but instead found that the fire was started by accident and spread very quickly throughout the house because of a variety of factors. Meaning  that, Willingham had not set a fire at all and had not intended to kill his children.

                There was a last minute appeal brought forth with this new evidence. It was dismissed and his execution received the go ahead by the state of Texas. On February 17, 2004, I believe Texas executed an innocent man fully aware that he had not committed the accused crime. I think this case depicts how easy our system can fail even in instances of innocent and yes, EVEN with all the appeals/safeguards we put in place.