For those of you unfamiliar with the term, an “exoneree” is the name given to people who have been released from prison after being wrongly incarcerated. For some of these, DNA evidence has given them a new lease on life … in more ways than one.
In the great state of Texas, there is a significant compensation package awaiting exonerees — $80,000 for each year they were in prison, and annual payments between $40,000 and $50,000 a year. Texas holds the nation’s most generous rates for compensation, and it’s hard to criticize this system.
In addition to the monetary prizes, exonerees are granted job training, tuition credits, and access to medical and dental treatment, as well as the help of financial advisers to help them manage their newfound wealth and give help regarding fending off those attracted by new money. “It takes two or three seconds before they ask me how much money, or when do I get the money,” said one exoneree. “Everyone has the perfect business venture for you.”
I’m glad this system is in place, though of course the most valuable resource — time — can never be replaced. And I guarantee you someone out there right now is devising a scheme to be wrongfully incarcerated. I’ll keep my eye out for the news when it hits. You may call me pessimistic or misanthropic, but I have yet to be disappointed by the greed of the average human.
Comments
Max
September 4th, 2009 - 11:40:02 AM
the problem arises, of course, when the inmate is executed, and then found to be innocent. no amount of money is going to fix that problem. and, unfortunately, it happens. sad shit. reason #897 the death penalty should be done away with
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