Convictions

Unveiling the Path to Proving Innocence: Insights on Overturning Wrongful Convictions

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MISSION VIEJO – In the criminal justice system, ensuring the accuracy of verdicts is crucial. Unfortunately, wrongful convictions can occur, leading to innocent individuals being imprisoned. But how do these wrongfully convicted individuals prove their innocence after they have been found guilty? This question was raised by D.T. from Mission Viejo. Firstly, after a conviction, there is a direct appeal process that can be pursued. If the individual exhausts all avenues of appeal, they may consider a “writ of habeas corpus” to demonstrate their entitlement to relief from the conviction. This can be based on … Read more

President Biden’s Historic Pardons: Correcting Racial Disparities in Nonviolent Marijuana Convictions

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden demonstrated his use of presidential clemency power on Friday when he pardoned thousands of individuals convicted on federal land for nonviolent marijuana violations. Biden’s decision addressed the issue of racial disparities in drug prosecution and sentencing, a matter of great importance. Although criminal laws are meant to apply to all Americans equally, small amounts of cannabis possession or use have disproportionately affected Black individuals. Unequal enforcement can turn a colorblind law into an instrument of injustice. Clemency can help rectify these flaws in the criminal justice system. This marks … Read more