Federal prosecutors: Justice in the balance

Justice in the balance

Full coverage - Explore cases - Methodology

A USA TODAY investigation documented 201 criminal cases across the nation in which federal judges found that prosecutors broke the rules. The abuses put innocent people in jail, set guilty people free.

Prosecutors' conduct can tip the scales
by Brad Heath and Kevin McCoy, USA TODAY (09/22/2010)
A USA TODAY investigation found that prosecutors have repeatedly violated their duty to seek justice in courtrooms across the country. The abuses have put innocent people in prison, set guilty people free.

VIDEO: Wrongfully jailed
Video by Rhyne Piggott, USA TODAY (09/22/2010)
Nino Lyons served almost three years in jail after he was convicted of trafficking cocaine. It was the evidence jurors never got to hear that eventually set him free.

MAP, DATABASE: Explore misconduct cases
USA TODAY's investigation documented 201 cases in which judges threw out convictions or rebuked prosecutors. Examine the cases we identified and explore an interactive map.

CLOSER LOOK: Prosecutor misconduct takes many forms
Misconduct can take a variety of forms. Here is a sampling of the more common problems USA TODAY's investigation identified.

Justice Department orders more training for prosecutors
by Brad Heath, USA TODAY (09/22/2010)
The Justice Department is taking new steps to make sure federal prosecutors live up to their constitutional duty to turn over evidence to the people they charge with crimes.