Former Death Row Inmate Cautions Future Prosecutors About Misconduct

(April 18, 2007) Former death row inmate, Terry Max Cook, spoke to a packed audience at the law school today about his personal experience as a victim of prosecutorial misconduct. Having spent nearly 20 years on death row, only to be released with the discovery of exonerating DNA evidence, Mr. Cook spoke frankly about the horrors of incarceration, and the surprising rush to justice in his Texas case -- despite strong evidence  pointing to another man. Mr. Cook also shared high praise for Chapman Dean Scott Howe, who represented him on a pro bono basis during his long fight for freedom. Speaking with utmost sincerity and respect, Mr. Cook explained, "Scott is the first lawyer I ever trusted." 

During his presentation, Cook showed graphic videotapes and photographs of his life in prison, detailing a perfect storm of errors, manipulations and evidence tampering that lead to his conviction. At the conclusion of his presentation, he opened up the session to a question and answer period, which lead to an interesting exchange with a law student who described himself as a "pro-death penalty future prosecutor." Clearly touched by his presentation, this student suggested that Cook should give his talk to all future prosecutors. After thanking the student for his candor, Cook explained his philosophy on the death penalty: that the horrors of life in prison without parole is a far worse punishment than death. Mr. Cook concluded the evening by signing copies of Chasing Justice for a long line of appreciative guests in the law school lobby.