Federal authorities admitted all but two of the FBI's Laboratory's 28 microscopic hair comparison units exaggerated forensic matches. Subsequently, 32 people have been sentenced to death, 14 of whom have since either been executed or died in prison.
Following DoJ and FBI's admission in an investigation that was launched in 2012, defendants and prosecutors across 46 states have been sent notifications to determine if they have grounds for appeal.
"These findings are appalling and chilling in their indictment of our criminal justice system," Blumenthal was quoted as saying by the outlet.
NACDL executive director Norman Reimer expressed hope the review would set "a precedent so that in future situations it will not take years to remediate the injustice."
An Office of Inspector General report published last year found that justice officials have known for years that flawed evidence and testimony may have led to wrongful convictions.
