Why we need investigative reporters
I recently posted about the decline in the number of investigative reporters, and the effect that would have on death penalty cases. Almost on cue, the Texas Observer came out with its second article looking at cases where convictions have been based on faulty arson evidence.
Granted, this is not a death penalty case. Also, in the interest of full disclosure, I admit this is a case I am working on. Despite that, this is an important issue, which has been getting an increased amount of attention over the last couple of years. Arson is one of those areas of "junk science", and may well be the worst. For years, so called experts testified about things that were at best guesses and speculation. They often testified about how the fire "talked to them", and how they could determine what happened from looking at the scene. The problem is that they know nothing about the scientific principles of fire; most were nothing more than fireman, whose sole training came from other firemen.
There are no telling how many people are in prison for something that was nothing more than an accident. Although there has been publicity, it is has not gained attraction like the DNA exonerations have. Hence the need for investigative journalists. Unless they are there to get the story out, these people have no voice. Lawyers face an uphill battle in these cases; that battle is easier when public sentiment is our your side - which doesn't happen with the journalists. Anyone who doubts that need only look at the DNA cases, and the widespread acceptance among the general public that innocent people are convicted. That sentiment wasn't there 10 years ago - back then most people would say innocent people are seldom - if ever - convicted.
So to Dave Mann and all the other investigative journalists out there, keep up the good work.
