C-SPAN Bookshelf AW: "Framed," John Grisham and Jim McCloskey
Aug 3, 2025
Join bestselling author John Grisham, known for his gripping legal thrillers, and Jim McCloskey, founder of Centurion Ministries dedicated to freeing the wrongly convicted, as they delve into the urgent issue of wrongful convictions. They share intense personal stories, including Ellen Reasonover's harrowing journey of 16 years in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. The conversation reveals the emotional and systemic challenges within the justice system, advocating for reform and highlighting the vital work of conviction integrity units in America.
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John Grisham's Entrance to Innocence Work
- John Grisham discovered wrongful conviction cases through the obituary of Ron Williamson, a man freed from death row.
- This inspired his first nonfiction book and drew him into innocence advocacy despite initial reluctance.
Jim's Calling from Prison
- Jim McCloskey's encounter with Jorge del Los Santos at Trenton State Prison changed his career path.
- He took a year off seminary to help free Jorge, eventually founding Centurion Ministries to fight wrongful convictions.
Wrongful Convictions Cross Racial Lines
- Wrongful convictions affect all races, not just minorities.
- The book illustrates that innocent white defendants are also convicted due to systemic failures across all communities.
