Innocence Project®
The Duke Law Innocence Project® is a volunteer student organization that works to exonerate victims of wrongful convictions by investigating claims of actual innocence and presenting conclusions to the Project leadership and faculty advisers. The DLIP also engages in policy reform advocacy and outreach to the community in education. The organization also helps its exonerees in their reintegration to society.
Active Investigations
The Active Investigations team investigates claims of actual innocence by NC inmates. Following the initial screening by the Jail Mail team and the return of questionnaires, members of the Active Investigations teams review the questionnaires, perform additional research, prepare memoranda, and present their conclusions to Project leadership and faculty advisers. Cases accepted by the professors following this process are transferred to the Wrongful Convictions Clinic for further investigation and action. Students may have the opportunity to review case files, write chronologies and memos, interview witnesses, and visit individuals who are making the claim of innocence.
Jail Mail
The Jail Mail team screens jail mail, or letters from inmates, and responds accordingly. If someone writes in from a North Carolina prison and has a claim of actual innocence, they send a questionnaire to receive more information and pass that along to the active investigations team. They are the first point of contact for individuals seeking assistance from DLIP.
Reintegration and Public Policy
The Reintegration and Public Policy team has two main objectives. First, they conduct active research, including responsive op-eds and ad-hoc clinic support. Second, they provide exoneree support through year-round support and championing pardons of innocence through letter-writing campaigns.
Events
The Duke Law Innocence Project also plans community outreach events to educate students and the broader community about wrongful convictions. Major events include Wrongful Convictions Day in early October and the Exoneree Thanksgiving Event. If you are interested in partnering with the Innocence Project on an event, please contact Events Chair Chrissy Habian at chrissy.habian@duke.edu. For more information on the Innocence Project, please contact Executive Director Madeline Baxter at madeline.baxter@duke.edu.