in 2003 or so, as part of a college history class, i watched the documentary paradise lost and became really interested in the case.  and really angry about the court decision, but of course that's what the documentary filmmakers intended for my reaction to be.  i've followed the appeals off and on since then and have continued to feel a bit queasy about the whole situation.  today the west memphis 3 were released from prison and i spent a good hour of my time watching everything CNN.com could throw at me.  incredible.  i also learned a little bit about the supreme court case of north carolina v. alford (1970), which, you know, i didn't expect when i woke up this morning.

if you have no idea what i'm talking about, put paradise lost in your netflix queue.  and while you're at it, brother's keeper, by the same filmmakers.  both very well done and i think both will affect you greatly.