PROFESSOR CHRIS HUTTON AND DENNIS FRITZ JOIN FORCES IN BRINGING NEW DNA LAW INTO SOUTH DAKOTA

Christine Hutton, Professor of Law at the University of South Dakota, celebrated victory after having teamed up with Dennis Fritz in successfully bringing about a new post-conviction DNA law to South Dakota.
Dennis Fritz, one of the two main characters in John Grisham’s book, The Innocent Man and author of "Journey Toward Justice".
As mentioned in the previous story, (link HERE)
Mr. Fritz and Professor Hutton had convinced the S.D. House committee members, to unanimously allow the Professor’s proposed DNA bill onto the House Floor. Shortly thereafter, the House also unanimously voted the DNA bill in. Within a couple of weeks the bill was passed to the Senate, whereas, a landslide victory occurred by a majority of the Senate committee member’s votes.

What a victory this was for South Dakota. Now, any inmate claiming his innocence— with DNA involved— will have the right to do the DNA testing, under the bill’s narrowed provisions. South Dakota had been one of six states that did not have a DNA bill available.

A sweeping domino effect miraculously occurred. Within a week after the DNA bill passed in South Dakota, Mississippi’s legislative House and Senate, both voted the post-conviction DNA bill into law. Professor Hutton and Mr. Fritz are still celebrating as of today! What a wonderful tribute to these two people, in stepping forth to bring about the needed change which will free many innocent people in prison.
Hoooray!!!!