The Innocent and the Executed: James Beathard’s Long-Forgotten Story
Beathard was put to death in 1999 for murders that his co-defendant claimed to have committed without him. A new documentary-in-progress seeks to bring his case to light.
Criminal Justice
Clarence Brandley: Unjustly Convicted, Overdue for Justice
One of Texas’ most famous death row exonerees died before winning compensation under a law inspired by his own story.
Two Executions, Many Questions about Mental Health, Innocence
Texas' deadly spring continues: Two Black men, Gary Green and Arthur Brown Jr. are set to be killed this week by the state.
Defense Denied
Many poor Texans are being short-changed on their right to be represented by a defense attorney in cases with potentially life-changing consequences.
Mapping the Legacy of Prison Hunger Strikes in Texas
"I'm willing to die for the cause, because I can't live."
A Brief History of Junk Science and Bad Forensics
“Texas has a long history with the use of unreliable evidence. [It also has made] unique efforts to address that searing history.”
Heroin, Cornell, Prison, and Journalism
In ‘Corrections in Ink,’ star criminal justice reporter Keri Blakinger skillfully tells the story of her own unusual life.
Stereotypes Could Send An Innocent Texas Woman to the Execution Chamber
A psychologist explains how myths and biases can prompt false allegations—and irreversible mistakes, especially in cases involving trauma victims like Melissa Lucio.
A Texas Mother Could Be Executed in April. Was Her Child’s Death Really a Murder?
Melissa Lucio, whose execution could take place this year, claims her innocence.
In Bexar County, A Hybrid Program To Help Indigent Defendants
A new “managed assigned counsel” system has been created in the county to help jailed people get better legal representation.