March 31, 2014 ALL

Today: Wrongful Convictions Committee Hosts Speakers

The Students for Social Justice Wrongful Convictions Committee will be hosting two speakers on Monday, March 31, in the Pellegrene Room (Dolan A202/A203) at 7:30 p.m.

Kirk Bloodsworth is an honorably discharged former Marine and Maryland resident who was wrongfully convicted in 1985 of sexual assault, rape, and first-degree premeditated murder for the 1984 rape and murder of a nine-year-old girl. He was the first American sentenced to death who was exonerated by DNA evidence.

Professor John Rago is an associate professor of law at Duquesne, whose work focuses on wrongful convictions in the broader context of conviction integrity. He is chairperson of the 51-member statewide committee formed by the Pennsylvania State Senate to study wrongful convictions under the auspices of the Joint State Government Commission.

It is a great opportunity to hear from reputable individuals who can put a personal face and story to this important social justice issue.