>13 since 1977 in Illinois - 23 years is a long time. I'm sure there were plenty of convictions that were solidified by DNA testing during that time. Maybe even the majority. I don't know - I'd be interested to see those numbers as well.
>Numbers are meaningless unless given context. They can even be dangerous if they are only given partial context.
>
>Smith's worst enemy was his own defense team. They would only agree to DNA testing at the time if they could keep it to themselves. Would've saved the guy 14 years if they'd have had it done then.

In Illinois, 12 have been executed and 13 freed since 1977. Not very good numbers by anyone's standards. And the Republican Governor there has declared a moritorium

http://chicagonorth.about.com/citiestowns/midwestus/chicagonorth/library/weekly/aa032600a.htm

I agree with numbers out of context, but I don't know how else to look at this. Either way, the death penalty system is seriously flawed. Somehow the legal system, beyond a reasonable doubt, sentenced these guys to death, only later to say, "Oops". So either they screwed up in convicting them, or screwed up freeing them. Do we accept such carelessness in any other part of our society when someone's life is at stake?

And I agree about Smith's lawyers, but we are only hearing the prosecution's side in the article. Why they would not want DNA testing, after their client was already convicted, is beyond me. What about the other "convictions" before DNA testing was invented? Can we really be sure of those?