$1.9 millionIn March 2013, Norwood was convicted of the murder of Christine Morton and he was sentenced to life in prison. Morton was awarded $1.9 million in state compensation plus a monthly annuity of $12,000. At the request of Morton's attorneys, the Texas Supreme Court held a Court of Inquiry.
The Michael Morton Act The Act is designed to ensure a more open discovery process. The bill's open file policy removes barriers for accessing evidence. Morton was present for the signing of the bill, which became law on September 1, 2013.
Morton is now remarried, and he and his wife Cynthia live on a lake in rural East Texas.
Abstract. Prosecutors are the most powerful officials in the American criminal justice system. The decisions they make, particularly the charging and plea-bargaining decisions, control the operation of the system and often predetermine the outcome of criminal cases.
The Brady rule, named after Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963), requires prosecutors to disclose materially exculpatory evidence in the government's possession to the defense.
On January 1, 2014 Senate Bill 1611 (SB 1611) titled the “Michael Morton Act,” changed the way Texas lawyers may utilize discovery in criminal cases. In Texas, a person who is charged with a crime and desires discovery must ask for it.
Jurors in San Angelo found Mark Alan Norwood guilty of capital murder for the 1986 beating death of Christine Morton, who was attacked in her north Austin home. Prosecutors said Norwood beat and sexually assaulted the woman. He was sentenced to life in prison, but is eligible for parole after 15 years.
Although the prosecutor makes a recommendation, the Judge holds the ultimate power.
Prosecutors can break the law, engaging in prosecutorial misconduct, in four ways: Offering evidence that they know to be false or “inadmissible” in court. Keeping exculpatory evidence hidden from the defense, or “suppressing Brady evidence” Encouraging witnesses to lie on the stand, or “suborning perjury”
But the most powerful official in the criminal justice system who makes the most critical decisions that often lead to unjust results is the prosecutor. The power and discretion of prosecutors cannot be overstated.
Texas Enacts “Michael Morton Act” Intended to Reduce Wrongful Convictions. On May 16, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed a bill known as the “Michael Morton Act” that will require prosecutors to open their files to defendants and keep records of the evidence they disclose.
Jurors in San Angelo found Mark Alan Norwood guilty of capital murder for the 1986 beating death of Christine Morton, who was attacked in her north Austin home. Prosecutors said Norwood beat and sexually assaulted the woman. He was sentenced to life in prison, but is eligible for parole after 15 years.
Evidence, such as a statement, tending to excuse, justify, or absolve the alleged fault or guilt of a defendant. See also Brady Rule.