Not quite the same as the old boss

[nancylebov]

Obama administration almost eliminates DNA waiver.

A DNA waiver is an agreement not to use DNA evidence as proof that one didn't commit a crime. The Bush administration made it feasible for prosecutors (federal level only) to demand DNA waivers as part of plea agreements.

While I would rather if the Obama administration forbade DNA agreements and used some strong language about the sort of people who would rather not admit mistakes even if it means keeping innocent people in prison, the current situation is that DNA waivers can only be sought in "exceptional circumstances".

Comments

[zenlizard]

And this will last only as long as the person in charge decides to play "nice".

[madfilkentist]

Now, Holder's memo says prosecutors can only seek the waivers in "exceptional circumstances" andwith a supervisor's approval.

A "supervisor's" approval is all that's needed, not a judge's. That sounds like scant protection to me.

[nancylebov.livejournal.com]

It isn't much, but it's better than an administration that's actively in favor of DNA waivers.

I don't know if there's any organization which works on opposing that sort of bad procedure. It doesn't seem as though it's exactly what the ACLU does, but I may be missing something.

[madfilkentist]

The Innocence Project immediately comes to mind.

[kgbooklog.livejournal.com]

demand DNA waivers as part of plea agreements.

Wait a minute.. does this mean prosecutors are admitting that plea agreements are punishing innocent people?

[nancylebov.livejournal.com]

I think it means they're saying they don't care.