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The Task Force on Conviction Integrity and Postconviction Review<\/a> has completed its work and delivered recommendations<\/a> to the Supreme Court of Ohio<\/a>, which released the report today.<\/p>\n The report\u2019s recommendations are in three general categories: changes in laws and criminal rules, training and education for attorneys who do felony criminal appeals and postconviction review cases, and creation of an Ohio Innocence Commission.\u00a0 <\/p>\n Judge Gene Zmuda<\/a> sits on the Sixth District Court of Appeals<\/a> and is an adjunct professor at the University of Toledo.\u00a0He chaired the task force. <\/p>\n \u201cInnocent until proven guilty is a foundational cornerstone of our American justice system,\u201d said Judge Zmuda. \u201cThe recommended improvements reduce the possibility of wrongful convictions and ensure convictions are reliable.\u201d <\/p>\n Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O\u2019Connor<\/a> formed the task force of judges, attorneys, legislators, and other stakeholders to look at policies and practices on conviction integrity and fairness.\u00a0The group analyzed data on convictions as well as current laws and criminal rules. They heard from national experts and looked at models from other states for best practices. The recommendations are designed to advise the judiciary and the legislature.<\/p>\n Proposed changes would allow a new trial based on certain types of new evidence not offered in pretrial or trial. There would be no time limits on certain new evidence, and prosecutors would be required to take action if they become aware of new evidence that could lead to a finding of innocence. The report also recommends specific training in felony criminal appeals or postconviction relief for lawyers who are appointed or hired to take these cases.<\/p>\n