Details

Students in this clinic group will participate in the Center on Wrongful Conviction's representation of defendants who have been convicted of serious crimes. Our practice includes direct appeals, state post-conviction proceedings (including DNA testing), federal habeas corpus work, executive clemency proceedings, and petitions for certificates of innocence. Students typically work on cases in groups of two or more. The case work of the students will include assisting in case selection, writing to and visiting incarcerated clients, investigating claims of innocence, researching legal issues, and drafting motions and briefs. Third-year students may appear in court as permitted by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711, and some students may have the opportunity to present clemency petitions to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Weekly class sessions will include case presentations, guest speakers, sessions on skill development, and discussions of topics relevant to the mission of the Center on Wrongful Convictions. Second-year students will earn 3.0 credits. Third-year students will earn 4.0 credits. Enrollment is limited to JD candidates