Chris Kennedy
In Lake County, Illinois, candidate Chris Kennedy first came out with “bold plans” to end wrongful convictions here. He has made strong statements about his intent to change the ways of the past, and to ensure that wrongful convictions are eradicated as much as is humanly possible…
The campaign promise of his opponent Mike Nerheim is similar:
A wrongful conviction is the worst thing that can happen in any case. As Lake County State’s Attorney, I will immediately put procedures in place to ensure wrongful convictions never happen again. Preventing wrongful convictions is one of my top priorities and I’m not waiting until the election to tackle this important issue.
When I announced my candidacy last summer, I laid out specific actions I am prepared to take, including the creation of an independent Case Review Panel, developing protocols for the prosecution of cases with forensic evidence, and improving training for prosecutors and law enforcement. As the campaign proceeds, I have been meeting with law enforcement, legal, judicial and all members of the community that this effects–including victims, victim’s rights advocates and civil rights leaders–sharing perspectives to address the most common causes of wrongful convictions.
I recognize that being State’s Attorney is about making tough decisions and the toughest decision a State’s Attorney has to make is deciding when not to charge cases where there is insufficient evidence. Rest assued that I have the courage and confidence to make these difficult decisions and stand behind them. I’m committed to being tough on crime and making sure everyone is treated fairly…and that justice is served.
My pledge to you–the citizens of Lake County–is to promote a culture in the State’s Attorney’s Office that is open to looking at all different kinds of evidence to ensure the right people are being prosecuted. This is not just an issue about DNA. This is an issue of justice, and an issue of making the changes in policy, procedures, and training as well as bringing a fresh perspective to the office of State’s Attorney that all citizens of this great county deserve.
Wrongful Convictions Blog 