Analysis of House v Bell Case in 2006 Free Essay Example, 1250 words

Generally speaking, the court granted summary judgment in favor of Bell but held an evidentiary hearing to determine his innocence for the crime, ineffective assistance of counsel and innocence of the death penalty. During this trial, House presented evidence that had not been presented during the trial. This evidence was DNA analysis that showed the semen found on the victim's garments were not his but from the victim s husband. There was also evidence that showed that the blood on his trousers was transferred during the investigations and not during the crime. House also gave an explanation about his whereabouts on the night of the murder and evidence about the confession by the victim s husband of the murder. The court determined that the witnesses and House were not credible witnesses. Additionally, although the blood on his trousers was transferred during investigations and that the semen found did not belong to him, this evidence was not sufficient to demonstrate his innocence . Therefore, his other claims were barred because of procedural default. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court s decision and noted that the case against him was still overwhelming. We will write a custom essay sample on Analysis of House v Bell Case in 2006 or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page Collins. The rule in Herrera v. Collins follows that "in a capital case a truly persuasive demonstration of 'actual innocence' made after trial would render the execution of a defendant unconstitutional, and warrant federal habeas relief if there were no state avenue open to process such a claim.