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Edmon Low Library

2009: Craig Watkins

Smart on Crime

Craig Watkins, Dallas County's Criminal District Attorney, keynoted OSU's fourth annual Constitution Day Celebration on Sept. 17, 2010.

As the first black District Attorney in Texas history, Watkins has gained local and national attention after using DNA testing to free more wrongfully convicted men than anywhere else in the country.

"The tough on crime approach doesn't work," Watkins said.

Since being elected in 2006, Watkins has strived to be "smart-on-crime." He believes that the government should seek justice, not convictions.

In July 2007, he established the Conviction Integrity Unit, which has overseen the post-conviction review of more than 400 DNA cases. This special unit is the first of its kind in the United States. Watkins' approach to the criminal justice system, which has received much attention, has set an example to the rest of the country.

Watkins has been honored with many awards for his outstanding accomplishments. The Dallas Morning News named Watkins the 2008 Texan of the Year. Watkins was also named the 2009 Constitutional Champion by the Constitution Project.

The 2009 OSU Constitution Day Celebration was sponsored by OSU Library and the political science department.