THE INNOCENCE PROJECT, INC The Innocence Project has assisted Arthur's legal counsel and have written so many letters and done so much, we have dedicated a link exclusively for the Innocence Project and all they have done in Arthur's case.
The Innocence Project, Inc., is a nonprofit legal clinic and criminal justice resource center that provides pro-bono legal services to indigent prisoners for whom post-conviction DNA testing can provide conclusive proof of innocence. Link To IP
The Innocence Project pioneered the post-conviction DNA litigation model that has to date exonerated over 215 innocent people, and served as counsel or provided assistance in the majority of these cases. See IP Fact Sheet Currently, The Innocence Project represents over 220 individuals seeking post-conviction DNA testing, or relief from their convictions based on DNA test results, in dozens of states. The Innocence Project does takes a stance on the guilt or innocence of an inmate.
As perhaps the nation's leading authority on DNA evidence and wrongful convictions, The Innocence Project and it's founders, Barry Scheck and Peter Neufield (both of whom are members of New York State's commission on Forensic Science, charge with regulating all state and local crime laboratories) are regularly consulted by officials at the state, local and federal level.
The Innocence Project never take a stance on a inmates innocence or guilt. They are perhaps the Nation's leading authority on DNA testingand wrongful convictions. The Innocence Project was asked by the legal advisor to Alabama Governor Riley to provide guidelines for post-conviction DNA testing in Alabama. See letter Innocence Project wrote to Governor Riley. Alabama is one of the few states in this country that does not provide any statutory right to post-conviction DNA testing. Alabama is the ONLY state in the United States that does not provide an attorney for death row inmates during post-conviction appeals. August 20, 2008 The Innocence Project filed a motion for leave to file a brief of Amicus Curiae in the Supreme Court of Alabama See Brief
August 20, 2008 The Innocence Project filed in the Supreme court of Alabama a Brief of Amicus Curia Opposing Rehearing of this Courts Order Granting Stay of Execution See Motion
Aufgust 19, 2008 Evidence preservation in Alabama raises more questions about death row case. In a Innocence Blog, The Innocence Project writes, After years of denying DNA testing to Thomas Arthur, who faces execution for a murder he says he didn't commit, Alabama's Attorney General now claims that the evidence in the case is misssing. Read Entire Article
July 08, 2008 The Innocent Project launched a letter and e-mail campaign to urge Governor Bob Riley to order DNA testing for Thomas Arthur. The Innocent Project states DNA testing would resolve serious issues in Arthur's case and could possibly identify the real killer. Sign pre-written letter to Governor
July 11, 2008 The Innocence Project urges Lieutenant Governor James E. Folsom, of the State of Alabama to act now to in presenting facts in Thomas Arthur's case to Governor Riley and ask him to use his lawful authority to avert an unjust killing. Read Letter
12-03-07 Innocence Blog: Innocence Project calls on Alabama Governor to stop execution and grant DNA testing 12-03-07, the Innocence Project sent governor Riley a letter stating they are deeply disappointed by the manner in which the governor's office has handled Mr. Arthur's request for testing thus far and do not understand the reason for it's failure to take action. The Innocence Project went on to state , Had you authorized testing, those results could have proved evidence of Mr. Arthur's innocence and even identified the killer..Read Letter 11-29-07 Innocence Blog: Death Row DNA Refusal Is Mind Boggling 11-05-07 The governor refuses to order DNA testing even after requesting information from the Innocence Project on post-conviction DNA testing.The Innocence Project sent the requested information. However, the governor has taken no additional steps since receiving the information from the Innocence Project. See Response from Innocence Project
The Innocence Project has done so much for Thomas Arthur and many more inmates. As the leading experts in DNA testing. To ignore an expert opinion as reputable as this organization, is a sign of ignorance and arrogance. To try to continue with the execution of a man or woman where there is "overwhelming physical evidence" that if DNA tested could prove a mans/womans innocence is called murder. To chance executing an innocent person instead of finding the truth goes against the very Legal, Judicial System that is designed to protect us. It is time for Alabama to recognize the serious flaws in the current Capital Punishment system and their Legal System. It is time that the United States to recognize the serious flaws in our Judicial System and recognize the incredible possibility of executing innocent people.
I am personally honored and thankful for all the efforts of everyone at The Innocence Project. Without their help, I truly believe my father would have been executed already. As a victim of this crime, I need closure as well. The convicted's families have a right to be treated with respect and the right to closure. We are the forgotten victims of crime. The State says the execution is for closure for the victim's family. I wonder how the victim's family will feel if the State executes the wrong man? I believe the victim's family and the convicted's' family both want the same thing, closure, not revenge. I do not believe executing an innocent person will bring either family closure...