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Back to To the Point

To the Point

How Many Innocent Americans Are Sitting in Jail?

Local district attorneys get re-elected for putting people in jail. Now some prosecutors are part of a movement to get some inmates out. It’s not just new evidence or witnesses changing their stories—it’s also the pressure on innocent people to plead guilty.

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By Warren Olney • Jan 29, 2015 • 52m Listen

Local district attorneys get re-elected for putting people in jail. Now some prosecutors are part of a movement to get some inmates out. An Ohio man who spent 39 years in prison for a murder he didn’t commit is just one of 125 released last year—a record number of wrongful convictions. It’s not just new evidence or witnesses changing their stories—it’s also the pressure on innocent people to plead guilty. The Brooklyn DA now runs a “conviction review unit”—part a new wave for exonerations.

Plus, Jordan's hostage negotiation, and a fugitive treasure hunter and "The Ship of Gold."

Photo: Brad K.

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Evan George

    Director of Content, News

  • KCRW placeholder

    Andrea Brody

    Senior Producer, KCRW's Life Examined and To the Point podcast

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    Jenny Hamel

    KCRW

    NewsNationalPolitics
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