NPR's Book of the Day
In 'Bringing Ben Home,' Barbara Bradley Hagerty examines a wrongful conviction
Aug 14, 2024
Barbara Bradley Hagerty, a former NPR reporter, discusses her book detailing the wrongful conviction of Ben Spencer, who suffered 34 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. She dives into the systemic flaws that led to his conviction and the journey of advocacy that resulted in his exoneration. Ailsa Chang engages with Hagerty on the importance of transformative justice reform, including evidence disclosure and recording interrogations, to prevent similar injustices in the future. Their conversation highlights hope, resilience, and the pursuit of truth.
08:45
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Quick takeaways
- Barbara Bradley Hagerty's book highlights the systemic flaws, including witness tampering and bias, that led to Ben Spencer's wrongful conviction.
- The podcast emphasizes emerging optimism in criminal justice reform, with new legislation aimed at preventing future wrongful convictions in Texas.
Deep dives
The Case of Benjamin Spencer
In 1988, Benjamin Spencer was convicted of a crime he maintains he did not commit and sentenced to life in prison. His case showcases significant flaws within the American criminal justice system, including witness tampering and implicit bias. For 34 years, Spencer persisted in claiming his innocence, writing letters and seeking help. Ultimately, luck played a crucial role in his exoneration, as new evidence emerged and a reinvestigation revealed that he had been wrongfully convicted.
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