Death Row: A Investigators Journey

One of the most challenging tasks in a criminal defense investigator’s world is investigating a capital case that has already exhausted all of its appellate rights. Called a writ of habeas corpus, it is a death row inmate’s last opportunity for to find relief from execution. There have been 144 death row exonerations since 1973, according to Death Penalty Information Center. Possibly the trial lawyer was ineffectual or incompetent, the defendant’s constitutional rights were violated, or there may even be newly discovered evidence. Regardless of the situation, it is an uphill battle and mostly a thankless, but ever demanding responsibility. Tune in to hear Private Investigator Joseph Thornton, a former Philadelphia Capital Habeas Unit staff investigator discuss his daily life as a post-conviction capital case investigator.