DNA exoneration on the next 'The Law Works'

CHARLESTON -– More and more people serving time for rape or murder are being released from prison due to DNA evidence – often many years after the crime. Is it really as simple as it sounds?

Find out on the next "The Law Works" at 8:30 p.m. Thursday on West Virginia PBS.

Host Dan Ringer and his guest will discuss what DNA evidence is, and its significance in past and current cases. Often called the most significant development in criminal justice since the jury trial, DNA evidence is still evolving, but it's not as clear-cut as it is often portrayed by the media or popular television programs.

Ringer's guest for this show is Assistant Public Defender Richard Walker. Prior to joining the Federal Public Defender Office, Walker worked in Miami as an associate in the firm Black, Srebnick, Kornspan & Stumpf, which specializes in the defense of high-profile and complex criminal cases throughout the United States. Walker has been with the Public Defender's office since 2003.

On next week's program (June 12), "The Law Works" explores the use of the insanity defense and how it is applied in a legal climate where the definition of mental illness continually changes. Walker will be one of the guests on this show along with Dr. William J. Fremouw, professor of clinical psychology at West Virginia University. Fremouw has a Diplomate in Forensic Psychology and frequently testifies in court.

More information about these and other recent topics from the program is available online at www.wvpubcast.org/lawworks.

"The Law Works" is the state's only weekly television show discussing legal issues that effect daily life. The program provides West Virginians with important information concerning the legal system from a national, regional and local perspective.

"The Law Works" is produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting in cooperation with the West Virginia State Bar, The West Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, the West Virginia University College of Law and ALPS Professional Insurance.