An Unreal Dream: The Michael Morton Story

Every wrongful conviction is disturbing, distressing and unique in its own way. And there’s really so many of these in the United States. Michael Morton’s is another true travesty of justice and should serve as a good example to all of our peers who have their obligation to judge us aka juries, all honorable judges, prosecuting and defense attorneys across the country and people in general... make sure you’re sure! And when you’re finally 100% sure, you might still be wrong. So be careful when you’re condemning someone to death. Their blood could be on your hands when their name lands on the national exoneration list. Make sure you can live with it. No one asks your opinion then because it won’t matter THEN. In fact be careful when handing over any guilty verdict- whether it’s 10, 20 years, a life (45 years) or execution that’s on the table. People who work in crime labs have made too many mistakes (verifiable, example black magic Oklahoma county Elaine Taylor) and most are intentional. Misconduct shouldn’t be acceptable but DAs everywhere are taking full advantage of something they’re allowed called “immunity” but I’m not buying it. Prosecutorial immunity should be abolished completely. (Re Marshall project) A good prosecutor with a good case, plenty of legit and factual evidence doesn’t need immunity. Why would they? When you have too many people in their positions dealing in improprieties you can’t afford to make a mistake. At the time of Mrs Morton’s murder, science lacked the capabilities of advanced DNA testing. Mr Morton proclaimed his innocence and the way our justice system is set up, if there is even a scintilla of doubt the verdict HAS TO BE not guilty (Re Lawrence Delisle Mi 5 life sentences from a judge who wasn’t “sure”). Err on the side of caution. That might mean sometime someone guilty goes free. If so, that DA wasn’t prepared. In this case someone innocent was imprisoned for 25 years and the guilty, Norwood, went on to murder yet another unsuspecting person. I personally think there’s more that no one knows about except Norwood and God. If so, he’ll answer for it eventually. People, take jury duty seriously but also keep in mind- contrary to what was instilled in someone like me growing up, I find it difficult to even trust science anymore. Forensics don’t “technically” lie, it’s the people presenting those forensics that we know now DO LIE. I was quite touched by Morton’s articulation of his benevolent (?) other-worldly experience. Spoiler alert 🚨 I was troubled that Eric was so influenced by his guardians- how hurtful for your child to not want to know you. Thrilled that Eric and dad were able to work it out. Some people never do. Every person who played a role in violating Morton’s rights should be held accountable. They will be too, even if it’s in the hereafter.

I am not surprised when people actively promote injustice because it furthers their interests or makes their life easier. But when these people are part of the judiciary system, entrusted with seeking the truth, I'm amazed at their callousness. This wonderful documentary would not have materialized had not Barry Sheck's Innocence Project, responsible for exonerating 700 persons committed to long prison sentences, stepped in and assumed Michael Morton's case.Morton may have been declared innocent, the real culprit for the murder of his wife may have been found, but for me too little was done to punish those responsible. The prosecutor in the case lost his license to practice law for 5 years, and served 5 days in jail> Surely this is not enough punishment for withholding exculpatory evidence. How about John Bradley, who blocked the formal investigation of DNA evidence on the famous bandana for 7 long years? Shouldn't he have been put in jail for a good portion of the extra time Morton served because of this delay?The documentary fails to inform us on some crucial aspects of the case following Morton's exoneration. Fro Wikipedia, I learned that the state of Texas agreed to compensate Morton with an undisclosed lump sum for his 25 years in prison, and $80,000 per year. But did Morton's son change his legal name once more to assume that of his father's? Did Christine Morton's sister, who adopted Morton's son, formally apologized to him for her contribution to the harm and hate Morton suffered? Did members of the original jury? I wish I could follow up on this case and see how the lives of the principals have been affected since the exoneration. 5 stars

I am so glad that justice was done in this case. I can't help but think would a person of color get the same treatment.. Most of the time I hear that the poor and persons of color rarely get a chance to prove their innocence and if they do the court system finds a way out where that person cannot sue the state. This is why I feel that the death penalty should be illegal. They may be killing an innocent person. That is murder. I know why the government finds it so hard to abolish the death penalty. It would save them money. They can't have the prisons swelling up with prisoners. The way these police have been sweeping the streets lately, they would have to build more prisons. The police are turning simple traffic stops into a life death situation. Several people have wound up dead after a simple traffic stop. Beware folks the next person killed by a police officer could be you or me. That is why I drive my car as little as possible. I am afraid of the police now. It's weird because one saved my life as a child. Andy the cop. They don't make them like him anymore. They act like they are in a war zone. Andy was our friend and always stopped and talked with us. He was our beat cop. I shall always remember him with fond memories.

This is such a tragic story, and it's unbelievable that the judicial system STILL refuses to test DNA, when they have samples. I recently read about a man, soon to be EXECUTED and they still refused to test the DNA samples. (he has always claimed to be innocent) How can that be???? That's what testing is for...so the innocent aren't falsely convicted. I'm sure he was executed by now, because if I recall, he had 5 days. I believe in the death penalty...but there better be actual proof, with all the evidence there can possible be. Refusing to test DNA is beyond outrageous. I hate what this poor man had to endure, and the great losses he suffered....but I'm so happy to have met him through this documentary. He is a remarkable man in every way possible. It didn't say if he got a settlement, but he should have....and a HUGE one. There is a saying, and I am paraphrasing: It is better to let a guilty man go free, then to convict the innocent. If anyone knows Mr Morton received a settlement, or not, please reply below. I would love to know.

Fascinating! Apt title Prison to Peace Morton's story of false accusations, imprisonment and illegal actions by Law enforcement officials and the Judicial system is an eye opener. Biggest surprise of all is despite all this Morton has more peace than most of us. How? Read the book for urself