Georgia Innocence Project Exoneree Speaks with Ninth Graders

By Head of Community Engagement Gordon Mathis

To recognize Wrongful Conviction Day, the Georgia Innocence Project sponsored a presentation to Galloway ninth graders by Clarence Harrison, who was falsely imprisoned in 1987 before DNA could prove his innocence. After 17 years and an exoneration based on DNA, Mr. Harrison was released from prison as the first exoneree whose release was secured by the Georgia Innocence Project in 2004.

All Galloway ninth graders take a semester of Political Science where they are introduced to the details of the judicial system such as “beyond a reasonable doubt,” a speedy trial, and legal representation provided by the state if an accused person cannot afford an attorney. Mr. Harrison discussed each of these facets of the justice system. He implored the students, “In four years, you will be old enough to vote and to serve on juries – you need to know how the system works.”

Students also had the chance to ask Mr. Harrison meaningful questions, such as  “Did you receive compensation from the state of Georgia for seventeen years of unjust imprisonment?” or “Do you think there was evidence of jury bias during your trial?”

We are grateful to the Georgia Innocence Project for providing our students with insight into the possibilities of miscarriage of justice in the state of Georgia.