On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Oklahoma state senators convened an interim study to examine practical ways to modernize the state’s criminal justice system, with a particular focus on implementing efficient mechanisms to detect and correct errors. The study, held before the Senate Public Safety Committee, centered on policy and process improvements that could reduce unnecessary costs without compromising public safety or due process.
Advocates and experts provided testimony detailing several challenges within the state’s corrections infrastructure and administration, along with proposals aimed at restructuring procedures and preventing avoidable errors.
Jackson Walker partner Christina Vitale, who co-led the investigation into the case of Richard Glossip alongside Reed Smith LLP and Crowe & Dunlevy LLP, was invited by the Committee to present. Over a 20-minute presentation, Christina addressed errors identified in the Glossip matter, the method of their investigative work, and specific opportunities for the state to improve the likelihood of just outcomes by implementing mechanisms designed to detect and correct mistakes earlier in the process.
Using the Richard Glossip case as a case study, Christina explained, “95% of all convictions in Oklahoma result from plea agreements; that means no trials and no juries. When you make a mistake, when an error occurs, you’ll see it’s an enormous cost involved.” Using 2017 Bureau of Prison data, the Glossip case has cost the state over $1.7 million to date.
“Since 1990, there have been 46 people in Oklahoma that have been exonerated or wrongfully convicted that we know of. There are most likely more than this,” Christina continued. “These cases take a long time to correct; the average is ten years, but the cases I’m going to take you through have taken much, much longer to address.”
“Sunlight is really the best medicine here to deal with this issue. You can have mandatory reporting when there’s a mistake or error made, and you can have a database as well, tracking that conduct. Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are. It’s a collective effort, it’s got to be.”.
To read the full article, visit State senators look at cutting costs within Oklahoma’s criminal justice system.
For additional details about the case, please refer to the following links:
- US Supreme Court Vacates Richard Glossip’s Conviction, Orders New Trial (Client Result, February 25, 2025)
- US Supreme Court to Review Conviction of Richard Glossip (Client Result, January 22, 2024)
- US Supreme Court’s Decision (PDF, February 25, 2025)
Jackson Walker is dedicated to ensuring equal access to justice for all. Our Pro Bono program continues to support attorneys’ efforts in providing legal services to those in need. To learn more about the firm’s efforts to help ensure equal access to justice, visit our Pro Bono page.
