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Public Hearing on the High Costs of Wrongful Convictions
October 3, 2011 @ 11:00 am
The hearing will stress the urgent need to reform the criminal justice system to prevent wrongful convictions. This hearing is the result of a BGA investigation with the Center on Wrongful Convictions that uncovered the high cost of wrongful convictions to taxpayers and the heavy human toll on those affected by wrongful convictions.
Eighty-five cases of wrongful conviction have cost Illinois taxpayers $214 million since 1976, the bulk of the expenses occurring in the last 20 years. In addition, innocent men and women served a total of 926 years for crimes they did not commit.
We will be presenting testimony regarding the nature of our investigation, our findings and our suggestions for reform. Several wrongfully convicted witnesses will testify to their experiences. Community members will also have a chance to voice their concerns, as will other advocates working on the issue.
We hope you’re able to attend the hearing– we feel it is vital to address this issue.