Details

Students in this Clinic section will work on juvenile delinquency cases, clemency and parole cases on behalf of juvenile and adult offenders, as well as wrongful conviction cases. This course involves representing juveniles charged with crimes in the juvenile court system, juveniles and adults in clemency and parole cases, and juveniles and adults in wrongful conviction cases. Most of the wrongful conviction cases involve direct appeals in state and federal court, state post-conviction proceedings (including DNA testing), federal habeas corpus work, and executive clemency proceedings. The work of the students will include assisting in case selection, writing to and visiting incarcerated clients, investigating claims of innocence, interviewing witnesses, researching legal issues, drafting motions and briefs and preparing for oral arguments. The juvenile and clemency cases will provide students with the opportunity to argue before the Prisoner Review Board or before juvenile court judges. Weekly class sessions will be held during which there will be presentations on cases, skill development, and broad issues relevant to the topic of wrongful convictions. We may also have joint sessions with Professors Raley and Daniel which may feature guest speakers. Readings relevant to our section's work may be assigned. Third-year students may appear in court as permitted by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 711. 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 earn 3.0 credits. Third year students earn 4.0 credits. Enrollment is limited to JD candidates