Congress has passed the Innocence Protection Act requiring mandatory DNA testing of all physical evidence before any execution can proceed in death penalty states, potentially saving wrongfully convicted individuals.

Background

Since 1973, 190 death row inmates have been exonerated. DNA evidence has been the leading factor in overturning wrongful convictions, yet many states lack requirements for post-conviction DNA testing.

Implementation

States must comply within 180 days or risk losing federal law enforcement funding. The law also establishes a national database of death penalty cases requiring evidence review.