In 2011 the following statute was added to the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure:
Sec. 79.039. EXONERATION REPORT. (a) Each legal clinic or program in this state that is operated by a law school and that receives financial support from the commission shall submit to the commission an annual report regarding criminal cases:(1) in which the clinic or program has provided legal services to an indigent defendant during the preceding calendar year; and(2) in which:(A) based on a finding of actual innocence, the court of criminal appeals overturns a conviction; or(B) the governor issues a pardon based on actual innocence.(b) The report required under Subsection (a) must:(1) identify each likely cause of a wrongful conviction listed in the report; and(2) recommend to the judiciary and the legislature best practices, policies, and statutory changes to address or mitigate those likely causes with respect to future criminal cases. (Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 984, Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2011.)
The following reports have been submitted under this statute:
Johnny Pinchback Exoneration Report
Washington, Robertson, Smith Exoneration Report
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Updated: 06-March-2013
