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One of the largest problems with a democratic penal system is that it is inherently unfair. Certain groups have always, and will always, be targeted more harshly in this system. Such a process will always have its hiccups. as new sciences such as DNA testing continues to evolve, people incarcerated as "mosters" can now be proven as innocent as "lambs". The question is raised: As a society, how do we face the realization that one day we will ultimately put to death (or, more tragic have already put to death) someone who was innocent of the crime for which they were convicted and sentenced to die?

So when the justice system gets it wrong, a group of scientists assume corrective action in what has come to be called the Innocence Project.

The Innocence Project is a national litigation and public policy organization dedicated to exonerating wrongfully convicted people through DNA testing and to

reforming the criminal justice system to prevent future injustice. So far, the project has been instrumental in the exoneration of 292 people in the U.S., including 17 who served time on death row. They served an average of 13 years in prison before being released.

In today's 244^th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS), forensic scientists, attorneys and others who used science to right wrongs, free innocent people and save the lives of prisoners on death row will promote the idea of a reformed justice system: one in which forensic chemistry is used before the indictment process, to uphold the basic human rights of those convicted of crimes they did not commit.

According to a statistic reported by Buffalo News, New York State has the third highest number of wrongful convictions nationwide, yet the Legislature has failed to take action to prevent future injustice.

As the 'Stop and Frisk' policy continues to infringe upon the rights off groups people, while using the law, which exist to protect citizens, to entrap them, many have crimes burned on their permanent records that are either negligent or put their through manipulated arrests.

For example, many instances of minorities arrested for possession of marijuana have been recorded even though carrying 25 grams or less should result only in a civil citation and be treated as a parking ticket. More than this, the Daily News reported that new laws suggest that if the contraband is out of sight, a civil citation is not even necessary. This means that police officers, in asking suspects to empty their pockets are intentionally forcing the latter to expose their drugs so the officers can, wrongfully, take them in.

The innocence project works for all people, regardless of sentence or crime, who have been wrongfully accused.

Justin J. McShane, J.D., co-chair of the ACS Division of Chemistry and the Law noted that the session also will include exonerated people who spent time behind bars for crimes they did not commit.

"This combination of people will make this gathering a unique event, one never before done at such a level," said McShane, who is chairman and CEO of the McShane Firm, Harrisburg, Pa. "It showcases chemistry's critical, but often-hidden role in protecting the innocent through collection and accurate analysis of crime-scene and other evidence."