The 2017 legislative session will open without former state Sen. Rodney Ellis, a 26-year lawmaker who became a criminal justice reform titan in the upper chamber.
Michael Morton
Posted in
Criminal Justice
From Michael Morton’s Wrongful Conviction to Exoneration (Timeline)
In the 30 years since Christine Morton was murdered, her husband Michael Morton has been wrongfully convicted of killing her and fought for sweeping changes to state law. Look back at his case and the developments since his release.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
How Michael Morton’s Wrongful Conviction Has Brought Others Justice
Thirty years ago, a Williamson County murder set in motion a shoddy prosecution that led to the wrongful conviction of Michael Morton. It’s a miscarriage in justice that’s still felt in the state’s criminal cases.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: May 12, 2015
The nonprofit group that has been secretly videotaping legislators this session has drawn the scrutiny of the Texas Rangers, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
House Gives Early OK to Expanding DNA Testing
The Texas House on Monday gave early approval to expanding DNA testing in criminal cases, an effort to prevent the incarceration of innocent Texans like Michael Morton, who spent nearly 25 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Senate Bill Would Expand DNA Testing for Criminal Cases
Michael Morton, who spent nearly 25 years in prison for murdering his wife before DNA evidence exonerated him, said he wouldn’t have had access under current testing requirements to the evidence that set him free. A new bill by state Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, would expand access to DNA testing in criminal cases.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Criminal Discovery Act Brings Costs, Questions
The Michael Morton Act is raising awareness about the importance of discovery in criminal cases, lawyers say. But both prosecutors and defense lawyers agree there are still some kinks to iron out.
Posted inState Government
The Brief: May 29, 2014
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst won’t be around for the next legislative session in January after losing his runoff contest on Tuesday. But he won’t be taking the next seven months off as a result.
Posted inState Government
Prosecutors Prepare to Open Their Files
As 2014 approaches, Texas district and county attorneys are preparing to implement a new law that aims to prevent wrongful convictions by requiring prosecutors to open their files to defense lawyers.
Posted in
Health care
The Evening Brief: Nov. 15, 2013
Your evening reading: Cornyn earns Perry endorsement, says GOP must govern like “responsible adults”; Anderson released early from jail; two Texas Democrats break ranks with party on GOP bill to fix Affordable Care Act