Death Penalty Focus empowers those who have been wrongly convicted to become advocates for a better justice system. Our friends here who were wrongfully convicted, have served more than 100 years in prison. DPF engages them in our activities and help amplify their voices in the debate over the death penalty. We know that more than 170 individuals have been released from death row for crimes they didn’t commit. They and their lost years are collateral damage of the capital punishment system in this country.
It is clearly demonstrated that the death penalty prosecutions have targeted those of color, those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and those with mental illness or disabilities. Unable to afford quality legal representation, and unfamiliar with the justice system, our friends are often appointed unqualified and ineffective counsel.
For more on wrongful conviction and innocence see the DPF YouTube channel for webinars on Innocence and False Conviction.
