Spotlight: "Making A Murderer"

The Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth (“CWCY”) is incredibly grateful for all of the messages we have received in support of Brendan Dassey and our work across the country to prevent false confessions by and wrongful convictions of vulnerable juveniles like Brendan. Steve Drizin, our co-founder, has written an Action Agenda for viewers who wish to do something about the issues raised by the series.

Below is a summary of our involvement with the Dassey case and information on how to support the CWCY.

Overview

  • Steve Drizin and Laura Nirider, attorneys for Northwestern’s Center of Wrongful Convictions of Youth, and attorney Robert Dvorak are co-counsel for Brendan Dassey’s post-conviction litigation.
  • Brendan Dassey's case was discussed in their 2012 article, co-written with Josh Tepfer, entitled "Combating Contamination in Confession Cases."
  • For all the latest updates on Brendan’s case, please follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
  • The CWCY does not represent Steven Avery and is not associated with his post-conviction litigation.
  • The CWCY is part of the Bluhm Legal Clinic at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law and Northwestern University. Northwestern University is the CWCY’s fiscal agent.

Making a gift to the CWCY

  • The CWCY cannot earmark contributions for a specific case. Your generous contribution will support the CWCY’s work to protect juveniles like Brendan Dassey in the criminal justice system.
  • Beware of fraudulent attempts to raise money in our name. Please do not donate to unauthorized websites impersonating the CWCY.

How to make a secure gift online:
1) Visit Northwestern's secure online giving website. 
2) Under “Gift Designation”, select “Center on Wrongful Convictions of Youth".
3) Fill in the remaining information required to process your gift.

How to make a gift via mail:
Please make checks payable to “Northwestern University” and write “CWCY” in the memo. Checks may be sent to the following address:
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
Attn: Sarah Zimmerman
375 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

If you have any additional questions about making a contribution to support our work, please contact Sarah Zimmerman at 312.503.1768.