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Originally Posted by flstf
I don't trust the police and especially the prosecutors enough to send anyone to death nowadays. Unfortunately DNA evidence can be planted. I think most are trying to get the guilty off the streets but I believe many defendants are railroaded especially those with no resources.
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The problem is that once investigators "like" someone for a crime they will often move heaven and earth to prove their suspicions. Evidence that doesn't fall in line with the investigation is overlooked, and more credence is placed on circumstantial evidence than would otherwise be warranted. It becomes more of a How to prove that Suspect "A" did the crime, as opposed to finding out who actually did the deed.
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Originally Posted by flstf
I remember watching on one of the news shows a while back about how some prisoners on death row were being released because of the new DNA testing. A Texas judge said in an interview that she wanted all the old rape kits destroyed because too many were being set free. She said they were already convicted by a jury of their peers and their appeals had been used up and besides there may have been co-ejaculators.
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I saw the same thing. It was this, along with a Texas (I'm almost positive it was Texas, but not 100%) Forensic Patholigist that was intentionaly tampering with evidence to obtain desired results. No fewer than 20 innocent men were released from Death Row, based on a re-examination of the evidence that resulted in thier conviction. It was these cases that turned me, a diehard death penalty supporter, 180 degrees in the opposite direction.