Shifting Away from the Death Penalty

Texas lawmakers got their chance Tuesday to ask questions about the recent changes on the Texas Forensic Science Commission. Governor Rick Perry replaced several members of the commission – including its chair just days before it was to hear a report that questioned the science used to convict and execute Cameron Todd Willingham for the arson deaths of his three children.

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Ben Philpott is a senior reporter for KUT-FM, Austin’s National Public Radio affiliate. He has been covering state politics and dozens of other topics for the station since 2002, during which time he...