Sunday, December 24, 2023

NY Governor Vetoes the Challenging Wrongful Convictions Act

This bill likely would've helped Jesse Friedman get an Actual Innocence hearing.

Jesse Friedman case

Challenging wrongful convictions – A2878-A/S7548

Sponsored by Assembly Member Jeffrion Aubry and Myrie, this bill would have made it easier for someone wrongfully convicted of a crime to have that conviction overturned, even if that person pleaded guilty, by removing procedural barriers to having new evidence heard by the court. In a veto memo, Hochul said that she supports the intent of overturning wrongful convictions and noted that she has approved numerous criminal justice reforms since taking office as well as existing avenues for post-conviction relief. But she said this bill is overly broad and would “create an unjustifiable risk of flooding the courts with frivolous claims.”

 Quoted from: Notable December 2023 NY vetoes