“Innocent Until Proven Guilty” Is a Lie
The American justice system is built on the idea that a person is innocent until proven guilty. But for the thousands of wrongfully convicted people sitting behind bars, that statement couldn’t be further from the truth.
Once the system labels you guilty, proving your innocence becomes an uphill battle—one that takes years, sometimes decades to win.
🔹 The burden of proof is reversed – Once convicted, the system requires exonerees to prove their innocence, rather than requiring the state to prove their guilt.
🔹 The appeals process is slow and restrictive – Many courts refuse to hear new evidence, even when it proves innocence.
🔹 Legal help is expensive and difficult to obtain – Innocent people behind bars rarely have access to the resources they need to fight.
For every person who is exonerated, there are dozens more who are still trapped, waiting for their chance to prove the truth.
The Legal Maze of Exoneration
Step 1: Finding Evidence
Many wrongful convictions happen due to false confessions, unreliable witness testimony, or faulty forensic evidence. Even if DNA evidence exists, it often goes untested for years.
Step 2: Finding a Lawyer
Most states do not provide legal help for the wrongfully convicted. Organizations like the Innocence Project or private attorneys have to take on these cases—if they have the resources.
Step 3: Getting a Court to Listen
Even with new evidence, courts are reluctant to overturn convictions. Prosecutors often fight against reopening cases, even when the truth is clear.
Step 4: Overturning the Conviction
After years—or decades—of legal battles, an exoneree may finally be declared innocent. But that doesn’t mean the fight is over.
Freedom is Just the Beginning
Even after proving their innocence, many exonerees leave prison with nothing. No financial compensation, no job training, no mental health care.
🚨 We must fight for change. The system must be held accountable for its mistakes, and exonerees must receive the support they deserve.
📢 Join the movement. Speak out. Demand justice.
