Wrongful incarceration.

Should the State of Florida pay compensation to citizens it wrongfully imprisons? The story of Wilton A. Dedge (No compensation for man exonerated after 22 years, Miami Herald September 14, 2004, at 6B) illustrates a flaw in our criminal justice system. The state took away 22 prime years of Mr. Dedge's life for a crime he did not commit. Oops, sorry! That's all he is entitled to get under Florida law.

"Oops, sorry" is not enough. We, as a purportedly civil and just society, ought to pay victims of wrongful prosecutions reasonable restitution. I am not suggesting jackpots. I suggest something like $10, 000 to $25,000 per year so that someone like Mr. Dedge can at least recover some of the opportunity cost he lost during his confinement.

Who should pay? Let's...