Jacksonville — Prosecutors — Galsworthy Criminal Justice Reform Program

Prosecutors

Currently, prosecutors in both the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems have too much discretion in pressing charges, determining what sentences are sought, and negotiating plea deals. Trial by jury is a key tenant of the American criminal justice system, but heightened prosecutorial power significantly reduces the power and frequency of a trial by peers. Attempts at sentencing reform must address largely unchecked prosecutorial discretion.

Jacksonville men freed 43 years after wrongful murder conviction, a first for a Florida conviction review unit

“The order to vacate the convictions of Clifford Williams and his nephew, Nathan Myers, stems from a recommendation made by Florida’s first-ever conviction integrity review unit, set up by State Attorney Melissa Nelson in 2018. At its heart, the recommendation found that defense lawyers for Williams and Myers failed to present evidence to the jury that would’ve contradicted the single eyewitness prosecutors relied upon to convict the men of murdering Jeanette Williams in her bedroom in 1976.“

Florida Times Union

March 28, 2019

False ConvictionsPhillip ReevesMarch 28, 2019Florida Times Union, Jacksonville, Florida, Duval CountyComment

Prosecutors

Galsworthy CJR Program

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