Death Penalty - Innocence

Since 1976, a total of 140 people have been released from death row with evidence of their innocence.  Many more have been executed or remain on death row despite significant doubt about their guilt.

The longest serving exoneree is Peter Limone, who spent 33 years on death row in Massachusetts before his conviction was overturned and all charges against him officially dropped.  A further twelve exonerees served in excess of 20 years before being released.