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March 15, 2012
NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT VINCENT E.
DOYLE
COMMENDS GOVERNOR AND LAWMAKERS ON DNA MEASURE
Calls for continued work to enact wrongful
conviction measures to enhance DNA legislation
New York State Bar Association President Vincent E. Doyle III commends
state lawmakers and the Governor for expanding the DNA database while
offering additional access for criminal defendants.
"The State Bar Association recognizes that DNA is a potent criminal
justice tool. Based on a report from our Criminal Justice Section, we
supported expanding the database," said Doyle of Buffalo (Connors &
Vilardo).
"We also are pleased that the bill would give criminal defendants
greater access to the database before and after trial, and allow
defendants other opportunities to prove their innocence after trial,
measures we have endorsed.
"We continue to believe that a comprehensive approach to prevent
wrongful convictions is needed. DNA alone cannot guarantee that
the innocent are exonerated and the guilty are convicted. Our 2009
report showed that human error can play a role in wrongful convictions,"
Doyle noted.
"That is why we call on the Legislature and Governor Cuomo to
consider additional measures during the current legislative session.
They include videotaping all custodial interrogations and changing the
way police lineups are conducted.
"Such measures would complement the DNA expansion bill, improve
public confidence in our justice system and enhance public safety. When
the wrong person is incarcerated, the guilty person is free to commit
additional crimes," Doyle said.
The 77,000-member New York State Bar Association is the largest
voluntary state bar association in the nation. It was founded in
1876.
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