Cases
In the Innocence Clinic law students investigate innocence claims and reexamine cases in their entirety and provide post-conviction representation to defendants with compelling claims to innocence.
Time Commitment
Eighteen to Twenty-Four (18-24) hours per week of field work/litigation/investigation/screening/memo writing and case documentation, and two hours of class time per week. Also (1) one hour of supervision per week is required.
Students may not work, volunteer or intern at any prosecuting agency while they are participating in the clinic. Additionally, students may not be a part of any credit bearing externship.
Class Requirements
Class time will include a discussion of how to screen and investigate cases, case rounds, brainstorming, and post-conviction law.
Pre-requisites
- Students without CLI status will not be permitted to appear in court on behalf of clients.
- Non-CLI may participate in all other aspects of the clinic (interviewing clients and witnesses, fact investigation, and screening).
Co-requisites
Wrongful Convictions: Causes and Remedies
In this companion course to the Miami Innocence Clinic students will explore areas such as federal and state habeas corpus, collateral remedies, and causes of wrongful convictions, scientific evidence, and DNA science. This course is a graded 2 credit lecture class. Students may not work, volunteer or intern at any prosecuting agency while they are participating in the clinic.
Grading/Class Size/Credits
- The clinic meets the writing or skills requirement. Enrollment is limited. Students apply in the spring or for the following semester. The clinic is 6 credits per semester. Students who show exemplary performance may be invited to return to the clinic as a fellow in the subsequent semester.
