Comprehensive Case Investigations in Post-Conviction Claims of Innocence

The purpose of the Wrongful Conviction Review Program is to provide high quality and efficient representation for potentially wrongfully convicted defendants in post-conviction claims of innocence. This program is funded under the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act,Pub. L. No. 112-10, div. B, secs. 1101-1104; Pub. L. No. 111-117, 123 Stat. 3034, 3134. Post-conviction innocence claims are likely to include complex challenges to the reliability or accuracy of evidence presented at trial which fall mainly into three categories: eyewitness identification evidence; confession evidence; and forensic evidence. The goals of this initiative are to: provide quality representation to those who may have been wrongfully convicted; alleviate burdens placed on the criminal justice system through costly and prolonged post-conviction litigation; and identify, whenever possible, the actual perpetrator of the crime.

The grantee will use the award to support its Center on Wrongful Convictions in improving the investigation of docketed cases, resulting in stronger legal representation and additional exonerations. In addition, the award will accelerate the evaluation of backlogged cases to identify worthy cases waiting for review. The grant will enable the Center on Wrongful Convictions to hire private investigators and expert witnesses, and will increase case budgets to support investigative needs.

CA/NCF