Students assist the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy by investigating credible claims of inmates that they were erroneously convicted of a crime they did not commit. Students interview prisoners and witnesses, examine alleged crime scenes, locate and analyze possible evidence, and prepare relevant documents. Skills students develop can apply in criminal law or civil practices.
“In the Kentucky Innocence Project, students learn how to figure out the facts of a case, something they don’t get in their doctrinal courses. They read police reports and other file papers, interview the client and witnesses, and visit the crime scene. This builds important fact-investigation skills that lawyers need, no matter what type of law they practice.”
– Professor Michael Mannheimer, project coordinator
How to qualify
Students must have completed 28 credit-hours of coursework and be approved by Kentucky Innocence Project supervisors.
What to expect
The project requires a year-long commitment of 100 hours each semester, detailed monthly reports and timesheets, and a biweekly classroom and case-review element.