Letter to the Editor Submitted by NLADA Board Member Freddie Pitts, Published In the New York Times

"We Were Convicted But We're Innocent"
The New York Times, page A24
January 31, 2006

If one based one’s philosophy of justice on Joshua Marquis’ Op-Ed article, one would be led to believe that the courts are always just and that the “occasional” exoneration is little more than a publicity stunt aimed at disemboweling the entire criminal justice system.

The reality of DNA testing, mistaken identification and under-funded public defense systems teaches us the criminal justice system is not always right. Hundreds of exonerations have shed light on a broken system, and have shown that justice in America, while Constitutionally guaranteed, is not always guaranteed in life.

For nine years, I sat in a cell on Florida’s death row for a crime I did not commit, while my friends and family suffered the consequences of a failed criminal justice system. I know firsthand the pain, agony and fear of being trapped on the flip side of Mr. Marquis’ coin.

His failure to recognize that people who are wrongfully convicted means that those who are guilty are left to wander the streets is inexcusable.

Until we face the reality that our criminal justice system is flawed, we will never be able to protect our communities or ensure justice.

Freddie Pitts
Miami Shores, Fla., Jan. 27, 2007
The writer is a board member of the National Legal Aid & Defender Association