Supreme Court Ruling on DNA Tests Controversial

The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that inmates do not have the constitutional right to test for DNA evidence once they've been found guilty.

Thursday, June 18th 2009, 10:42 pm

By: News 9


News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that inmates do not have the constitutional right to test for DNA evidence once they've been found guilty.

The case is similar to one from Oklahoma.

John Thomas Webb was convicted of raping a Norman woman in 1982.

Webb was picked out of photo lineup. Fourteen year later, DNA evidence proved he was innocent and was freed in 1996.

Webb's attorney Irven Box reacted to Thursday's Supreme Court ruling.

"This is a stunning blow to anyone seeking to have someone exonerated, those who have been wrongfully convicted. Keep in mind, since 1989, 240 people in this country have been exonerated based upon DNA testing," Box said.

Forty-seven states including Oklahoma already allow DNA testing in some circumstances.

The Innocence Project is dedicated to freeing wrongfully convicted people.

Learn more about the Innocence Project and how the organization is trying to reform DNA testing.

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