By Audrey Redmond
NCIP celebrated its eighth annual Justice for All Dinner March 12 with a spirited crowd, honoring individuals for their dedication to freeing the wrongfully convicted and improving the justice system. The evening showcased the inspiring stories of those who fought to win their freedom with the help of NCIP and their pro bono partners and donors.
2015 honorees included:
California State Senator Mark Leno, champion of criminal justice reform who authored several pieces of legislation addressing wrongful convictions, was recipient of the Leadership Award.
Exoneree Kirk Bloodsworth, who was the first death row inmate to be exonerated by DNA testing, received the Cookie Ridolfi Freedom Award.
Former Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins, who was among the first district attorneys to institute a Conviction Integrity Unit, received the Justice Award.
Attorney Elliot Peters, partner at Keker Van Nest LLP, who with his team spent countless pro bono hours working to exonerate NCIP client Ron Ross, was recipient of the Pro Bono Award.
Nikki Pope & Courtney Lance, authors of “Pruno, Ramen & a Side of Hope,” a collection of stories from wrongfully convicted people who eventually proved their innocence, received the Media Award.
The evening was full of poignant moments, including when Kirk Bloodsworth talked about his wrongful conviction and ultimate exoneration.
“I became the first person in the United States freed by postconviction DNA testing. My mother passed away five months before I got out,” Bloodsworth said. “My mom wasn’t around but she’s the one who told me to stand up – stand up – right is light. If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything. And that’s exactly what I did. We passed the Kirk Bloodsworth Postconviction DNA testing program and it’s a law today.”
“These cases are so hard to win, but they are so important. There is nothing nobler or more righteous for a lawyer to do, and nothing in my career that I am more proud of, than fighting for John and Ronald and the innocent.” said Elliot Peters. “Please everyone, give to the NCIP, support their work, keep the faith. There are innocent people suffering behind bars, and as long as that is true, we must never, ever give up the fight.”
Read the San Jose Mercury News story about the gala here.
