Barbara Thompson
Cyrus Vance for Manhattan D.A.
(917) 453-8561
bthompson@cyvanceforda.com

Cy Vance, candidate for Manhattan District Attorney, released the following statement on Chief Judge Lippman's proposed creation of a permanent task force to examine wrongful convictions:

"I strongly support the creation of a wrongful conviction task force. Judge Lippman's proposal would help to ensure that New York continues to be innovative and progressive when it comes to fair and effective criminal justice policy.

"When an innocent person is imprisoned, everyone in our society loses. Wrongful convictions are incredibly destructive, first and foremost, to the person unjustly imprisoned and their family and friends, but also to society as a whole -- because the public loses confidence in the law. That's why as Manhattan DA, I would encourage a prosecutorial culture that understands the importance of getting every case right.

"Judge Lippman's proposal is reflective of the type of reform-minded thinking that our criminal justice system needs, and I commend him for it."