Righting the Wrong: Justice for Exonerees

Policy Committee    January 19, 2022

Exoneration is the action of officially absolving someone from blame by using DNA testing or other means to prove innocence. Pennsylvania has had more than 100 people exonerated in the past 30 years – many of whom have served 15-30 years before their release. While incarcerated, these individuals missed birthdays and anniversaries, were separated from their communities, deprived of their freedom, and subjected to the trauma of incarceration.  

The House Democratic Policy Committee's Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People explored exonerations in Pennsylvania and steps the legislature can take to support those who have been wrongly incarcerated by the criminal justice system. The Policy Committee held a hearing on January 19 at 11:00 a.m. in Harrisburg.

Host + Testifiers

• Hosted by: Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Chair of the Subcommittee on Progressive Policies for Working People, Rep. Regina Young
• Testimony from:
  • Dr. Chinchila Jonesia, Founder, "RIGHT THE WRONG" Coalition and “BE A VOICE.”
  • Caroline Turner, JD, Legal Advisor and Consultant, Criminal Defense and Wrongful Conviction Attorney.
  • Vincent Moto, Co-Founder, “BE A VOICE,” Criminal Justice ReBorn and Exoneration Compensation Advocates.
  • Terrell Johnson, Founder, The Terrell Johnson Project, Pennsylvania Exoneree.

Agenda + Testimony

• Hearing agenda and written testimony: Righting the Wrong: Justice for Exonerees

Media Release + News Coverage

• Policy Committee explores wrongful imprisonment in Pennsylvania, 1/19/2022

Hearing Video + Photos