Innocence Project Commends Attorney General Eric Holder for His Efforts to Uncover and Prevent Wrongful Convictions

Contact: Paul Cates,

pcates@innocenceproject.org


 

(New York – September 25, 2014) Following the announcement today by Attorney General Eric Holder that he will be stepping down as the nation’s Attorney General, the Innocence Project commends the Attorney General for his tremendous leadership in helping to uncover and prevent wrongful convictions. The following can be attributed to Innocence Project Co-Director Peter Neufeld.

Attorney General Holder has been an outstanding advocate for justice in many ways, but under his tenure several things standout in his leadership to protect the innocent. He took a critical first step in validating and developing scientific standards for forensic practices by helping to establish the first ever National Commission on Forensic Science. Similarly, when it was learned that FBI analysis may have given improper testimony in cases involving hair analysis, he agreed to an unprecedented review of thousands of cases and has steadfastly kept to that promise. And breaking a twenty year stalemate, he has initiated a policy where for the first time government law enforcement officers are required to electronically record interrogations in most instances. His tenure will be unquestionably remembered for his unwavering commitment to fairness and justice.

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