Imagine losing almost a quarter of a century of your life for something you didn't do. And when you finally get compensation for all those lost years, your ex-wife reports for her "part". That's what she looked like. history Steven Phillips from Texas.
Innocent behind bars
Steven Phillips was convicted in 1982 of rapes he did not commit. He was only 23 at the time. He spent 24 long years in prison, losing not only his freedom, but his family, and Health. Divorced with his wife occurred in 1992 – during his time. It wasn't until 2008 that modern DNA tests finally cleared him of the charges and identified the real perpetrator.
Upon his release, the State of Texas granted him compensation under the Tim Cole Act. The total was $6 million (including pensions and benefits – up to nearly 9 million in today's value). This. money for each year of wrongful imprisonment – about $80,000 a year.
Ex-wife versus damages
When the compensation ran mediaSteven's ex-wife, Traci Tucker, called. She claimed that part of the suffering and the period of marriage was due to their relationship, so compensation should be treated as a common property. She brought the case to court, demanding tens of thousands of dollars.
The district court initially granted part of it, but the case went to appeal. In 2014, the Texas Court of Appeal issued a final sentence: ex-wife doesn't get a cent.
Why did the court take Steven's side?
The judges found that the compensation with Tim Cole Act was of a nature personal – compensates for the particular harm: loss of freedom, mental and physical suffering, which only affected one person. It is not a mere income or common property. The Act clearly sets the amount on the basis of years spent in prison, regardless of earnings or family situation.
This is an important settlement. It shows that money For wrongful punishment, they are not a "premium" for division, but an attempt – although always imperfect – to repair a personal tragedy.
History Steven Phillips reminds us of how fragile our sense of justice is. The system may be mistaken, and the consequences can be dramatic. At the same time, it shows the strength of modern science – DNA tests have saved not only the freedom of many innocents, but also helped fight for worthy compensation.
