The price of certain justice

IT'S TIME CONSUMING and expensive for the state to review 534,000 criminal files on the chance that a few contain old DNA evidence that could free some wrongly convicted inmates.

But re-examining decades-old hair samples or stained fabric - evidence eligible for DNA testing that wasn't available 20 or 30 years ago - is the duty of a government committed to justice.

Fortunately, lawmakers realized that it's pointless to do the work if nobody makes an effort to find the defendants. They directed the state Forensic Science Board to find and notify felons, in or out of prison, when testable evidence is found.

Despite the inconvenience and potential embarrassment, the benefits - more confidence in the criminal justice system and an opportunity for wrongly convicted felons to prove their innocence - far outweigh the costs.

The review was prompted after lab directors tested old physical evidence in select cases and got DNA results in five that resulted in exonerations.

In 2005, then-Gov. Mark Warner ordered a review of all cases handled by the state lab between 1973 and 1988.

As Warner said, "A look back at these case files was the only morally acceptable course to take, and the truth that is revealed can only strengthen the public's confidence in our justice system."

So far, the review has cost $1.4 million and lasted two years. So far, 10 of the 316 samples sent for testing have been found to contain DNA that does not match the felon's, lab director Peter Marone has said.

The lab, which relies in part on student volunteers to look through the files, is trying to find more money to continue the probe.

The legislature's vote was an important step in affirming the review of case files.

Confirmation that judges and juries have convicted the truly guilty - and quick work to undo convictions when they're proven wrong - serve to rebuild trust in our government and its leaders.

It's hard to put a price on that.