Push to ease access to DNA evidence
A handful of Democrats today introduced a series of bills to make it easier for convicted criminals to use DNA evidence to try to prove their innocence.
Among the measures, one would force the state to test DNA evidence even if the defendant pleaded guilty in the case (as opposed to being convicted by a jury). Some judges have interpreted the law to deny access to DNA in plea-bargained cases, activists say.
Others would increase standards for evidence preservation. Joining the legislators was Barry Scheck, co-director of the Innoncence Project. The news conference was held at a NYPD storage facility in Queens, which has come under scrutiny.
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