Lecture Notes: The Case of Michael Morton and Prosecutorial Power

Introduction

• Discussion of a high-profile legal case in Texas.
• Focus on the power of prosecutors and what happens when it's misused.

Michael Morton's Background

• Ordinary citizen with no criminal record.
• Convicted of murdering his wife in 1987.
• Insisted on innocence; exonerated by DNA after nearly 25 years.

The Crime and Initial Conviction

• Wife Christine found murdered in 1986.
• Morton became the suspect immediately; arrested six weeks later.
• Prosecuted by Ken Anderson; accused of killing over a sex dispute.
• No murder weapon or direct evidence linked Morton to the crime.

Concealed Evidence

• Morton's defense suspected hidden exculpatory evidence.
• Recent access to original trial documents revealed police reports not disclosed.
• Key evidence included testimony from Morton's son Eric and a neighbor sighting.

Legal and Ethical Obligations

• Prosecutors legally obliged to disclose such evidence.
• Failure to do so could have acquitted Morton.

Impact of Wrongful Conviction

• Morton spent years in harsh prison conditions.
• Loss of relationship with his son, who was adopted and changed his name.

Exoneration and New Evidence

• DNA testing on a bandana found a known felon, Mark Allen Norwood, as the actual killer.
• Norwood linked to another murder post-Christine's death.

Accountability of Prosecutor Ken Anderson

• Michael Morton's legal team argued Anderson withheld evidence deliberately.
• Probable cause for criminal inquiry into Anderson's actions.
• Discussion on the rare prosecution of prosecutorial misconduct.
• Absolute immunity for prosecutors against civil lawsuits.

Broader Implications

• Debate on the need for accountability in the justice system.
• Mention of similar cases highlighting the issue of prosecutorial misconduct.

Michael Morton's Reflection

• Emphasizes forgiveness over revenge.
• Motivated to prevent similar cases from occurring.
• Stresses the importance of accountability in the justice system.

Conclusion

• Case raises broader questions about prosecutorial power and accountability.
• Morton's story highlights the potential for wrongful conviction and its impact on lives.
• Reinforces the need for transparency and ethical conduct in legal proceedings.