Wrongful Convictions Project
The Wrongful Convictions Project is dedicated to identifying and rectifying wrongful convictions and other serious miscarriages of justice. The project has three components: representation, research, and public education. Project faculty, staff, cooperating outside attorneys, and University of Miami Law students investigate possible wrongful convictions and represent imprisoned clients with claims of actual innocence. The research and public education components focus on developing initiatives that raise public awareness of the prevalence, causes, and social costs of wrongful convictions and promote substantive reform of the criminal justice system. |
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The University of Miami Wrongful Convictions Project will only consider cases that meet ALL the following criteria:
Please DO NOT send any documents unless requested. We are unable to return documents to you. |
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On February 24, LAFAC and the University of Miami Wrongful Convictions Project sponsored the event, “Innocent on Death Row!” featuring esteemed criminal defense attorney, Milton Hirsch, and Florida death-row exoneree, Juan Melendez. At the event, Mr. Hirsch discussed the history and development of modern-day innocence projects and the inherent fallacies underlying the use of DNA-testing as definitive proof of a defendant’s innocence or guilt. Following Mr. Hirsch’s presentation, Mr. Melendez spoke about the horrors of serving 18 years on Florida’s death row for a murder that he did not commit, and the circumstances underlying his incarceration. Despite the fact that there was no physical evidence linking Mr. Melendez to the crime, he was nevertheless found guilty based on the testimony of two questionable government officials. Mr. Melendez was not released until a taped confession of the real killer was found in the possession of his former defense attorney less than a month before his appeal. Mr. Melendez’s story illustrates the need for proactive advocacy as a means to prevent innocent individuals from facing similar types of wrongful convictions. While Mr. Melendez is fortunate to be able to share his story, Mr. Hirsch reminded students that those wrongfully executed, “will not be able to speak.”
Click here to listen.
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