PAULINE'S PICKS: NYTimes.com Looks At Wrongful Convictions and DNA Evidence

By: Pauline Millard Walk into any prison and you're sure to find plenty of inmates who claim they've been wrongfully accused. Some of these claims might be downright denial, but some are legitimate. Thanks to DNA evidence more and more of these prisoners are being released -- sometimes decades after they arrived.

The New York Times pooled its vast resources and found 137 wrongfully convicted prisoners who were exonerated thanks to DNA evidence. They spoke to most of them via phone and got their reactions to being free after being inside for so long.

Most are just trying to adjust as best they can. Some received settlements (into the millions) for their wrongful conviction. Most admit that they will likely never be completely the same, and that they will always carry some level of anger.

One of the most interesting features of the project is a photo essay about a man named Jeffrey Deskovic. Sixteen years ago Deskovic was wrongfully convicted of rape and murder and was released about a year ago. The Times chronicled his first year out, as he struggled to live on his own, go to college and try to assimilate to society. Deskovic narrates the project himself, which adds a great personal touch.

Overall, the Times did a great job putting a human face -- and voice -- to the issue of wrongful conviction and DNA evidence. It's obvious that this was a labor intensive project, but usually the best ones are.

Here are some of my past Picks:

FloridaToday.com Examines Zambia Missionary Project

'Miami Herald' Looks Into Low-Income Housing

Bakersfield.com Uses a Special Section For Murder Case Coverage