Oregon Exonerees Face ‘Broken System’ of Compensation for Another Year
- Oregon prosecutors dropped the murder case against Jesse Johnson in 2023 after a 25-year legal struggle following his wrongful conviction.
- Johnson's release followed an Oregon Court of Appeals ruling that found his original trial lawyers were ineffective, highlighting flaws in the justice system.
- Efforts to pass Oregon Senate Bill 1007, which would ease compensation for wrongfully convicted people, failed despite bipartisan support and backing by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
- Jenny Hansson, a DOJ spokesperson, emphasized that Attorney General Dan Rayfield is committed to improving Oregon's current compensation process, and the department is actively pursuing reforms using the resources currently available.
- Advocates plan to renew legislative efforts next year, as experts emphasize that outdated legal barriers leave innocent people languishing behind bars without post-conviction remedies.
10 Articles
10 Articles

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Oregon lawmakers regulate guns, public defense, while crime victim, exoneree funding stall • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Bills meant to reform and direct more money to the state’s criminal justice system had a mixed bag this 2025 Legislative Session. (Photo by Ron Cooper/Oregon Capital Chronicle)Bills meant to reform and direct more money to the state’s criminal justice system had some major wins and some major losses during the 2025 Legislative Session. Much needed funding for public defense lawyers, new gun control measures and new civil liberties protections ov…
2025 Oregon Legislative Session Recap
The 2025 Oregon legislative session started on January 21, 2025, just one day after President Trump’s second inauguration. Within the first week of his second presidency, Trump unleashed a chaotic horde of executive orders that attacked: immigrants and refugees, including the most basic of constitutional rights like birthright citizenship; pregnant and transgender people; environmental and climate justice; diversity, equity, and inclusion initia…
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