Patrick Leahy: “Last month, the House and Senate overwhelmingly approved H.R. 5107, the Justice for All Act of 2004. This important…”

“Last month, the House and Senate overwhelmingly approved H.R. 5107, the Justice for All Act of 2004. This important criminal justice package includes the Innocence Protection Act, a modest and practical set of reforms aimed at reducing the risk of error in capital cases. I first introduced the IPA in February 2000, and as time passed, the bipartisan coalition in support of this pioneering bill grew. Capping these years of effort, the President has now signed the bill into law. As enacted, the Innocence Protection Act contains several key reforms. First, it ensures access to post-conviction DNA testing for those serving time in prison or on death row for crimes they did not commit. Second, it establishes a grant program to help defray the costs of post-conviction DNA testing. This program is named in honor of Kirk Bloodsworth, the first death row inmate exonerated as a result of DNA testing. Third, the IPA establishes rules for preserving biological evidence secured in the investigation or prosecution of a Federal offense. Fourth, it authorizes grants to States to improve the quality of legal representation in capital cases. Finally, it substantially increases the maximum compensation that may be awarded in Federal cases of wrongful conviction.”