CRJ 234 March 11

Key Legal Cases Discussed

Brady v. Maryland

  • Established that the prosecution must disclose material evidence favorable to the defense.

  • Emphasizes a fair trial right for defendants, ensuring that all relevant evidence is available to both sides.

Miranda v. Arizona

  • Required law enforcement to inform individuals of their rights (Miranda warning) before interrogation.

  • Protects against coercion and ensures defendants understand their rights, particularly regarding confessions.

Ernesto Miranda's Case

  • Ernesto Miranda signed a confession under false pretenses, believing he wouldn't face prosecution if he cooperated.

  • The confession was made without an understanding of his rights, leading to the adoption of the Miranda warning to inform suspects explicitly.

John Thompson's Case

Context and Background

  • Convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death amid significant pressure on the criminal justice system.

  • The victim was a wealthy individual, influencing the urgency to solve the case.

Events Leading to Trial

  • Thompson was wrongfully arrested based on vague descriptions and pressure on law enforcement.

  • Acquiesced to being charged with an unrelated crime first, allowing the prosecution to build a narrative against him.

Discovery of Missing Evidence

  • Investigators discovered missing pages from police reports related to crucial evidence that could exonerate Thompson.

  • The case hinged on disallowed blood evidence linking another suspect to the crime.

Investigative Breakthrough

  • Private investigator Elisa Abalafia was hired to uncover new evidence, which included previously undisclosed police reports.

  • Identified key witnesses who were never disclosed to the defense, ultimately exonerating Thompson.

Trial Outcome

  • After lengthy appeals and being on death row for many years, John Thompson was declared innocent.

  • Evidence clearly indicated that the actual murderer was Kevin Freeman, who initially implicated Thompson.

Michael Morton's Case

Wrongfully Convicted

  • Michael Morton was wrongfully convicted for murdering his wife in 1987 and spent nearly 25 years in prison.

  • Prosecutor Ken Anderson used manipulative tactics to portray Morton as the aggressor without solid evidence.

Key Evidence That Was Withheld

  • Evidence from the crime scene indicated a child had witnessed the murder and described the assailant, which was not provided to the defense.

  • A suspicious individual was noted in reports, but this information was also withheld.