Social Issues :: Free "Death Penalty - Herrera vs Collins" Essay

Death Penalty - Herrera vs Collins

The Supreme Court addressed the constitutionality of executing someone who claimed actual innocence in Herrera v. Collins (506 U.S. 390 (1993)). Although the Court left open the possibility that the Constitution bars the execution of someone who conclusively demonstrates that he or she is actually innocent, the Court noted that such cases would be very rare. The Court held that, in the absence of other constitutional violations, new evidence of innocence is no reason for federal courts to order a new trial. The Court also held that an innocent inmate could seek to prevent his execution through the clemency process, which, historically, has been "the 'fail safe' in our justice system." Herrera was not granted clemency, and was executed in 1993..

Since Herrera, concern regarding the possibility of executing the innocent has grown. Currently, more than 80 death row inmates have......

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Title: Death Penalty
Approximate Word Count: 1325
Approximate Pages: 6 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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