Now Mr. Haynesworth, 46, is asking for full exoneration on all of the rape convictions, although DNA from the other two cases is not available. But the circumstantial evidence supporting Mr. Haynesworth’s claims of innocence is so powerful that along with his own lawyers, the prosecutors from both jurisdictions where the rapes occurred support his efforts, as well as the attorney general for the commonwealth, Kenneth T. Cuccinelli.
With no one arguing against exoneration, most judges would be expected to congratulate Mr. Haynesworth on his new life, perhaps with an apology as well, and send him into daylight and freedom. But in July, a three-judge panel of the Court of Appeals of Virginia said, in essence, “Not so fast.” The court called for additional briefs in the case, which will be heard again on Tuesday by all of the judges of the court.
Cleared of Rape but Lacking Full Exoneration by John Schwartz from the NY Times.
In what world does it make sense where the DNA and circumstantial evidence, defense attorney’s and prosecutors all agree this man should be fully exonerated yet the Court of Appeals opts not to allow this man to be immediately cleared until after there are additional briefs? Is this what we call “justice” in America now?
