Justice Reclaimed: Exonerated Individuals Who Sued Their States and Won

Introduction: The Plight of the Wrongfully Convicted

The miscarriage of justice resulting in wrongful convictions inflicts profound harm on individuals and their families. Beyond the immediate deprivation of freedom, exonerees often face long-term challenges reintegrating into society. Seeking redress, many have turned to the legal system to hold states accountable for their wrongful imprisonment. This article delves into notable cases where exonerated individuals successfully sued their states, shedding light on the complexities of compensation and the ongoing quest for justice.

Ronnie Wallace Long: Four Decades of Injustice

In 1976, Ronnie Wallace Long, a young Black man from Concord, North Carolina, was convicted of rape and burglary by an all-white jury. His conviction was marred by prosecutorial misconduct, including the suppression of exculpatory evidence such as fingerprints and semen samples that did not match Long. After serving 44 years, his conviction was vacated in 2020. Subsequently, Long filed a lawsuit against the city of Concord and the State Bureau of Investigation. In 2024, a settlement of $25 million was reached, with the city contributing $22 million and the state $3 million. The city also issued a public apology, acknowledging the grievous errors that led to Long's wrongful conviction. ...Read More

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