Senate Resolution No. 771 BY: Senator COMRIE MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2, 2023, as Wrongful Conviction Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of International Wrongful Conviction Day WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize official days that are set aside to acknowledge vital issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is rightfully proud to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2, 2023, as Wrongful Conviction Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of International Wrongful Conviction Day; and WHEREAS, Every person is endowed with human dignity and value, and this day raises awareness for the innocent who were unjustly incarcerated for a crime they did not commit; and WHEREAS, Wrongful Conviction Day is 24 hours dedicated to honor those with a life stolen; and WHEREAS, The Innocence Project, an organization with the goal of exonerating citizens serving sentences for crimes they did not commit, set aside October 2nd as Wrongful Conviction Day in 2013 to raise awareness and inspire change for remediation of this serious issue in our State and Nation; and WHEREAS, Being wrongfully convicted not only affects the individual imprisoned, but also their family and communities; individuals and community leaders are encouraged to focus on, discuss, and brainstorm remedies for this issue that has harmed so many lives; and WHEREAS, Wrongful convictions have been a pervasive issue in the history of New York State's justice system, especially before the advent of DNA testing; and WHEREAS, The injustice of being wrongfully convicted not only robs an innocent person of their life, reputation, and dignity from the perpetration of heinous crimes like murder or sexual assault while the guilty walk free, it exaggerates existing prejudices against Black and Brown communities as well as the intellectually disabled; and WHEREAS, Famous cases that were ruled in the State of New York such as the Central Park Five in 1989 stand as an example to the gross injustices that can occur in the legal system; and WHEREAS, Wrongful Conviction Day also honors the 281 wrongful conviction exonerations that have occurred in the State since 1989; and WHEREAS, It is beneficial that there be greater awareness of Wrongful Conviction Day and more should be done to increase awareness at the local, State, and National levels to promote efforts and continued commitment to the eradication of wrongful convictions; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2, 2023, as Wrongful Conviction Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of International Wrongful Conviction Day; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New York.