Sent to Death Row on Junk Science — Can a Law Save Them?

Sent to Death Row on Junk Science — Can a Law Save Them?

Can discredited forensic science send innocent people to death row?Texas was the first state to pass a law—known as the Junk Science Law (Article 11.073)—giving prisoners a chance to challenge their convictions when the science used against them has since been debunked. But more than a decade later, is the law actually helping?

In this episode of Death Row Stories, we speak with Estelle Hebron-Jones, Attorney and Director of Special Projects at the Texas Defender Service. She explains how Texas courts are dealing with death penalty cases involving outdated, flawed, or unreliable science. We explore infamous cases like Cameron Todd Willingham, Rodney Reed, Robert Roberson, and DeMontreal Miller—some based on fire myths, others on shaken baby syndrome or changing expert opinions.

Despite the law’s promise, many claims are still denied—not on the facts, but because of procedural barriers, legal technicalities, or the reluctance of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (CCA). Estelle reveals why the system often blocks relief, even when innocence is plausible—and how lawmakers are now pushing for reform.

Listen now to discover what happens when science fails in the courtroom—and whether justice can still be served.


You can also discover our show on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/@Death-Row-Stories


Email me at: cultureaventure@gmail.com


Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(35)

He Had 11 Execution Dates. Now, He's a Life Coach.

He Had 11 Execution Dates. Now, He's a Life Coach.

Thomas Miller-El was sentenced to death in Texas and faced execution 11 times.After spending years on Death Row, he was eventually given a life sentence. But instead of simply trying to survive prison...

21 Aug 48min

 35 Years on Death Row. He Still Says He’s Innocent.

35 Years on Death Row. He Still Says He’s Innocent.

For 35 years, Eugene Broxton has lived in a tiny death row cell in Texas.He insists he did not commit the murder that sent him there. He says he has maintained his innocence from the very first police...

19 Jul 45min

I Visited Europe’s Execution Sites to Understand America’s Death Penalty

I Visited Europe’s Execution Sites to Understand America’s Death Penalty

What do medieval witch hunts, public guillotines, and America's death penalty have in common? More than you might think.In this episode of Death Row Stories, I leave the United States and travel acros...

12 Jun 18min

Texas 600th Execution: Inside the Fight Over Intellectual Disability Part - 2

Texas 600th Execution: Inside the Fight Over Intellectual Disability Part - 2

On May 14 2026, Death Row Stories takes you inside a race against time as Texas prepares for what could become its 600th execution since 1976. From an early morning abolitionist press conference to a ...

18 Mai 10min

Texas' 600th Execution: Inside the Fight Over Intellectual Disability

Texas' 600th Execution: Inside the Fight Over Intellectual Disability

Texas is about to carry out its 600th execution since 1976. But this case is different.Edward Lee Busby Jr is scheduled to die for a brutal 2004 murder in Fort Worth. What he did was horrific. A 77-ye...

10 Mai 12min

Outside James Broadnax’s Execution, as Doubt Hung Over It

Outside James Broadnax’s Execution, as Doubt Hung Over It

At the gates of the Huntsville Unit, I witnessed one of the most controversial executions in recent Texas history. James Broadnax was put to death as serious doubts still surrounded his case, after hi...

2 Mai 12min

Secrets of Lethal Injections EXPOSED

Secrets of Lethal Injections EXPOSED

What really happens when the state kills someone?In this shocking episode of Death Row Stories, I sit down with Corinna Barrett Lain, author of Secrets of the Killing State, to expose the dark, hidden...

28 Mar 1h 10min

 They Executed a 21-Year-Old Who Couldn't Understand His Trial

They Executed a 21-Year-Old Who Couldn't Understand His Trial

In 1913, a 21-year-old man was executed in Texas after a trial he could not understand.This episode of Death Row Stories investigates one of the most disturbing and little-known cases in the history o...

7 Mar 16min

Populært innen Samfunn

rss-spartsklubben
giver-og-gjengen-vg
aftenpodden
konspirasjonspodden
aftenpodden-usa
alt-fortalt
rss-nesten-hele-uka-med-lepperod
popradet
rss-henlagt-andy-larsgaard
min-barneoppdragelse
wolfgang-wee-uncut
rss-espen-lee-usensurert
grenselos
synnve-og-vanessa
rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
frokostshowet-pa-p5
fladseth
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
rss-herrepanelet
rss-siktet