Introduction: 

We believe that it is important to recognize and redress the harms that have been done to individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned. We are proud to support a resolution that would memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2, 2023 as Wrongful Conviction Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of International Wrongful Conviction Day. By making this proclamation, Governor Hochul would be recognizing the importance of raising awareness about wrongful convictions and the need to promote justice and fairness in the criminal justice system.

Wrongful convictions can have devastating consequences for individuals, their families, and communities. Not only do wrongfully convicted individuals suffer the trauma of being incarcerated for crimes they did not commit, but they may also face significant barriers to reintegration into society even after their exoneration. This can include difficulties finding employment, housing, and accessing social services.

By proclaiming October 2, 2023 as Wrongful Conviction Day in the State of New York, Governor Hochul would be sending a powerful message of support to wrongfully convicted individuals and their families. This proclamation would also help raise public awareness about the issue of wrongful convictions and the need for reforms to ensure that the criminal justice system operates fairly and justly.

We urge all of our supporters to get involved in advocating for the passage of this resolution. By contacting your elected officials, raising awareness about the importance of recognizing Wrongful Conviction Day in the State of New York, and joining with us in this fight, we can help ensure that the harms of wrongful convictions are recognized and addressed.

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BY:

Senator COMRIE

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2, 2023, as Wrongful Conviction Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of International Wrongful Conviction Day

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to acknowledge vital issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is rightfully proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2, 2023, as Wrongful Conviction Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of International Wrongful Conviction Day; and

WHEREAS, Every person is endowed with human dignity and value, and this day raises awareness for the innocent who were unjustly incarcerated for a crime they did not commit; and

WHEREAS, Wrongful Conviction Day, commemorated on October 2, 2023, is 24 hours dedicated to honor those with a life stolen; and

WHEREAS, The Innocence Project, an organization with the goal of exonerating those serving sentences for crimes they did not commit, set this day aside in 2013 as they recognized the necessity of taking a day in the calendar year to hold space for this unjust issue; and

WHEREAS, October 2nd is a day where communities can focus on, discuss, and hopefully find remedies for this issue that has harmed so many lives, individually and collectively, around the world; and

WHEREAS, Wrongful convictions have been a shameful and pervasive issue in the history of New York State’s justice system, especially before the advent of DNA testing; and

WHEREAS, This category of injustice not only robs an innocent person of their life, reputation, and dignity while the perpetrator of a heinous crime walks free, it exaggerates existing prejudices against Black and Brown communities as well as the intellectually disabled; and

WHEREAS, Today we not only honor those wrongfully convicted in New York, but also the organizations including The Innocence Project, Policy
Research Inc., Family and Friends of the Wrongfully Convicted, LIFE Camp Inc., King of Kings Foundation, and Man Up! U.S.A. Inc. that have fought on behalf of these victims in our state; every day their work inspires us to continue to commit our sincerest efforts to the eradication of such occurrences; and

WHEREAS, It is beneficial that there be greater awareness of
Wrongful Conviction Day and more should be done to increase awareness at the local, State, and National levels to promote efforts and continued commitment to the eradication of wrongful convictions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2, 2023, as Wrongful Conviction Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of  International Wrongful Conviction Day; and be it further

RESOLVED That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.

ACTIONS
23 / Mar / 2023
REFERRED TO FINANCE