Wrongful Conviction Review and Litigation Program

In 2009, the Post-Conviction Clinic was formed at The Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law – in part to assist the nonprofit Arizona Justice Project in its work on wrongful convictions. Since the inception of the Clinic, ASU Law students have reviewed approximately 150 cases involving actual innocence claims, excessive sentencing, compassionate release, clemency and/or parole. These issues have taken the Clinic to state court as well as before the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency and before various conviction integrity units. Clinic students and ASU Law faculty collaborate with community partners, including public defense offices across the state, law firms, mitigation specialists, psychologists, social workers, and others. Working in conjunction with the Arizona Justice Project, the Clinic seeks to identify and review claims of wrongful conviction in Arizona, which has the fifth highest incarceration rate in the country. This Program will provide the funds necessary to diligently and effectively identify and represent the wrongfully convicted in Arizona.