Wrongful Convictions I: Introduction to Wrongful Convictions and Case Review

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the review techniques used in cases where individuals assert wrongful conviction or actual innocence claims. Lectures and discussions explore organizing raw data, report reading and writing, requesting official records, conducting case audits, interviewing witnesses, and identifying investigative or prosecutorial breakdowns within the criminal justice system. Students examine systemic contributors to wrongful convictions and learn foundational methods for case evaluation and documentation. This course serves as the preparatory semester for the experiential learning component offered in Wrongful Conviction Review II.