Cato analysts regularly identify areas where the government is either wasting money or spending money on unconstitutional or inappropriate matters. There are a few areas, however, where the state does not spend money where it ought to.

A case in point is where the state has mistakenly locked up an innocent person. Believe it or not, in some jurisdictions no compensation is offered to the victims. Zero!

The Associated Press has a story today about a new Texas law that will pay about $80,000 in compensation to victims for each year they were wrongly incarcerated. Other states should follow suit. Inaction is inexcusable.

(H/T: Grits for Breakfast)