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Burden of InnocenceFRONTLINE
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'burden of innocence

View the entire 53-minute program here in seven consecutive chapters.
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winner of

The 2003-04 Emmy Award for Outstanding Investigative Journalism

1. Clyde Charles: After 18 years in Louisiana's Angola Prison, DNA finally proved Clyde's innocence, and on the day of his release, everyone was there cheering. But then when the cameras went away, everybody went away. 2. 'Throwaway People': In California's notorious Folsom Prison, Ricky Daye, wrongly imprisoned for 10 years, learned about the depravity human beings are capable of, when no one can see. 3. 'Sometimes I'd Rather Be in Jail': Neil Miller of Boston served 10 years for a rape he didn't commit. On his release, his lawyer believed Neil would have an easier time with freedom because 'he's so rational, so thoughtful...' His lawyer was so wrong.
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A Policy of No Compensation: Most people believe the exonerated receive millions in compensation for having been wrongfully incarcerated. The truth is, most receive nothing - they're lucky if they get a bus ticket home. 5. 'A Place of Hell on Earth' In Oklahoma, Ron Williamson was wrongfully imprisoned on death row for 12 years. He went into prison a mentally ill man and was further mentally tormented by his guards. 6. A 'Poster Child' for the Exonerated Anthony Robinson served 10 years for a rape he didn't commit. His release would change not only his own life, but the lives of all the wrongfully convicted in Texas.
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7. Postscript... Suing a state for wrongful imprisonment is costly and takes years. But Barry Scheck and a few other lawyers decided to prove it could be done. They took on the case of Ron Williamson and Dennis Fritz.
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published may 1, 2003

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