Interviewee: Marvin Anderson. On February 28, 2003, Marvin Anderson spoke at a function celebrating the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the structure of DNA. (DNAi Location: Applications > Human identification > Innocence > DNA and the Innocence Project)

I am happy to be here tonight on this special 50th anniversary to talk to you all about how DNA evidence has changed my life. Because of DNA evidence, my innocence was finally proven. It is one thing to know that I was innocent of a terrible crime. I spent days and years behind bars thinking about the day when a miracle would happen, I would prove my innocence. All that time in prison really has made me appreciate my life and the precious hours of each day. There are many things that we take for granted. There are very few things that I take for granted now. I really thought that my freedom would happen in another lifetime. I thought I would spend the rest of my life in prison. DNA evidence has helped to set free hundreds of others like me who were wrongly accused. I would like to thank Mr. Barry Scheck, Mr. Peter Neufeld and all the staff at the Innocence Project, which is based right here in New York City at Cardozo School of Law, for taking up my cause. The one thing that the DNA revolution in the criminal justice system has taught us over the last decade is that there are more innocent people in jail than we ever thought. I stand here today as a product of all the research and good work that all of you are doing with DNA. I am just one example of how research helps. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.

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