University of Utah : S.J. Quinney College of Law

Innocence Clinic

Tags:clinic innocence 

The Innocence Clinic

2^nd or 3^rd year students

The Innocence Clinic introduces students to the criminal justice system from the perspective of a wrongfully convicted individual.  Students learn about errors in the system by dissecting and investigating closed cases where errors may have been made resulting in the wrongful conviction of an innocent person. This Clinic involves a 2-semester commitment.  It is open to 2Ls as well as to 3Ls. 

Prerequisites:  None.  Evidence and Trial Advocacy are recommended as pre- or co-requisites.

Course:  Innocence Investigation & Post-Conviction Process (2 cr., graded, Year-long). This course will cover post-conviction remedies, state and federal, including post-conviction motions and habeas corpus as well as judicial proceedings to prove actual innocence.  Students will learn how to investigate cases of actual innocence and in doing so review the criminal process from this perspective. The course will also cover techniques for investigating actual innocence especially through the use of forensic evidence (DNA, social science on mistaken eyewitness testimony, etc.).  This course must be taken during both Fall and Spring Semesters and is not open to other students without instructor permission.

Placements:  (5 cr., P/F, Fall through Spring Semester).  Students will intern with the Rocky Mountain Innocence Center where they will investigate provable claims of innocence for clients incarcerated in Utah, Wyoming and Nevada.  Students will work closely with RMIC’s experienced Director Katie Monroe and with RMIC Board President Jensie Anderson. Students will also litigate on behalf of the clients who may be entitled to some relief (e.g. testing of newly discovered DNA). Litigation may also be carried out under the supervision of pro bono lawyers.

Faculty: Professors Jensie Anderson & Katie Monroe

Registration:  Students should complete the Clinical Program Application form.

Fall – Spring  LAW 7629  Innocence Clinic

Additional work will apply to the Pro Bono Initiative certificate.

• Ethics (pdf)