Santa Clara Law: Northern California Innocence Project

NBC Bay Area News Highlights NCIP Law Students' Work

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:32:00 PST

NBC Bay Area News recently ran a story about the successful work of NCIP's law students, who have helped win the freedom of 17 exonerees since 2001.

Exonerees Give Back in Chicago

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:36:00 PST

Exonerees Antione Day and Jarrett Adams are tirelessly working with the Loyola University Chicago School of Law Life After Innocence program to help exonerees find housing after their release from prison. The Life After Justice Center in Chicago was created after Day came up with the idea to find a home and make it habitable for Illinois exonerees shortly after their release from prison.

NCIP Client George Souliotes to Be Retried

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 09 May 2013 14:47:00 PST

NCIP and Orrick, Herrington, Sutcliffe client George Souliotes, whose conviction was overturned last month after he demonstrated 'actual innocence,' will be retried, Stanislaus County prosecutors announced Monday.

Maurice Caldwell Speaks with ABC7 about Exoneree Struggles Post-Prison

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 07 May 2013 14:02:00 PST

NCIP exoneree Maurice Caldwell and NCIP attorney Paige Kaneb recently spoke with ABC7 News about the struggle exonerees face after prison. In 1990, an eyewitness falsely identified Caldwell as a killer during a bad drug deal, and he wrongfully spent nearly 22 years in prison before he was exonerated with the help of NCIP.

Former DA Jailed after Concealing Evidence in Murder Case

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:44:00 PST

Former Williamson County District Attorney Ken Anderson was briefly jailed April 19, then released on bail after a district judge determined there was probable cause that Anderson violated state law by lying to a trial judge to win the conviction of Michael Morton in a 1986 murder case.

NCIP Fundraiser at Mondo Burrito May 2!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:39:00 PST

Join NCIP in an early Cinco de Mayo celebration at Mondo Burrito and support the Project! When you present the attached flyer, 15% of all sales will be donated to help NCIP exonerate more wrongfully convicted prisoners in California. See you there!

Innocent Man Released From Prison After Spending 42 Years For Arson Conviction

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:40:00 PST

Faulty fire science has contributed to another wrongful conviction. Louis Taylor, who spent 42 years in prison wrongfully convicted of setting a hotel fire in 1970 that killed 29 people in Tucson, Arizona, was released last Tuesday.

Exoneree Brian Banks Signs with Atlanta Falcons

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 13:17:00 PST

Brian Banks, who was on his way to a big future in football when he was wrongfully convicted of rape in 2002, signed with the Atlanta Falcons today.

Texas Man to Get Retrial Due to Faulty Fire Science

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:29:00 PST

A Texas court reversed Ed Graf's murder and arson convictions this week after experts determined that the science used to convict Graf was likely faulty. While the court declined to issue a finding of actual innocence, it did say, 'False expert testimony at [Graf's] trial violated his due process rights.'

Maryland Legislature Votes to End Death Penalty

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 18 Mar 2013 11:26:00 PST

Last week the Maryland House of Delegates passed a bill to replace the death penalty with life without the possibility of parole. The bill, which passed by an 82-56 margin, now goes to the desk of Governor Martin O'Malley, who has said he will sign it.

More Great News! NCIP and CDP client Johnny Williams Exonerated!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 11 Mar 2013 11:13:00 PST

The Northern California Innocence Project (NCIP) and the California DNA Project (CDP) at Santa Clara University School of Law announced that on March 8, the Alameda County Superior Court overturned the wrongful conviction of Johnny Williams for sex crimes after new DNA evidence proved his innocence. Mr. Williams served 14 years in prison.

D.C. Changes Eyewitness Identification and Informant Policies

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:53:00 PST

Courts and police in the District of Columbia will be changing their policies on eyewitness identification and informants after several wrongful convictions. The changes come at the recommendation of a task force created by D.C. Superior Court Chief Judge Lee F. Satterfield.

Great news! NCIP client Ronald Ross was exonerated today!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:59:00 PST

At a hearing this morning in Oakland, Judge Jon Rolefson ordered his release after the District Attorney dismissed all charges stemming from an attempted murder. Thanks to the Keker & Van Nest team for their countless hours on this case!

Texas Judge Faces Rare Court of Inquiry for Involvement in Wrongful Conviction

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:24:00 PST

Judge and former prosecutor Ken Anderson took the stand in his own defense Friday capping a week-long hearing into whether Anderson should face criminal charges for failing to disclose evidence that exonerated Michael Morton of his wife's murder.

Exonerated Man Seeks Justice from California Compensation Board

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 09:47:00 PST

In 1988, Timothy Atkins was convicted of robbery and murder and sentenced to 32 years in prison by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge. Atkins spent 23 years behind bars before he was found innocent by the same judge who had sentenced him. With the help of three attorneys at the California Innocence Project at California Western School of Law, Atkins sought compensation from the state for his wrongful conviction.

10 Advances in Reducing Wrongful Convictions in 2012

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:29:00 PST

Author and contributing editor to the Wrongful Convictions Blog Nancy Petro wrote a great article on the progress toward improving our criminal justice system made in 2012. She highlighted ten notable advances-

Despite nine exonerations, Orange County eyewitness identification policies remain unchanged

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:42:00 PST

On November 30, 2012, Alfonso Gomez became Orange County's ninth exoneration based on eyewitness misidentification, according to the National Registry of Exonerations. During Gomez's trial, deputy district attorney Howard Gundy told the jury that the two witnesses who identified Gomez as the shooter were 'righteous' and 'certain.' Both Gundy and the witnesses were wrong.

Kentucky Lawmaker Hoping to Expand Post-Conviction DNA Testing

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 26 Dec 2012 10:30:00 PST

Rep. Johnnie Bell (D-Glasgow) is again proposing his bill to expand post-conviction DNA testing hoping that the legislation will finally make it through the legislative process in the 2013 session. Bell has proposed similar bills three times, one of which made it past the House of Representatives before dying in the Senate.

Illinois Prosecutor Starts Term Off Right by Creating Case Review Panel

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:15:00 PST

Right after being sworn in as the new Lake County State's Attorney, Mike Nerheim announced he is creating an independent Case Review panel. The panel, which will be appointed by Nerheim, will review criminal cases where there is a question of wrongful conviction and identify best practices for investigating and prosecuting criminal cases in the future.

Oregon Supreme Court Changes Game in Eyewitness Identification

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:49:00 PST

The Oregon Supreme Court unanimously ruled earlier this month to change the way that eyewitness identification can be used in criminal trials. The ruling shifts the burden of proof to prosecutors. The prosecution must now show that identification evidence is sufficiently reliable before it is admissible at trial. This represents a wide departure from the previous legal standard which allowed courts to assume eyewitness identifications were reliable unless the defendant could prove otherwise.

Innocent man's conviction stands even though forensic evidence discredited

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:07:00 PST

The California Supreme Court refused to overturn the conviction of William Richards, 63, even though the forensic evidence used to convict him of murdering his wife has been discredited. Richards, who is serving a life sentence, was convicted using a bite mark found on the hand of the victim. Originally, a forensic dentist testified that the mark matched Richards' teeth and only 2% of the general population would match. However, lawyers from the California Innocence Project hired new experts to re-evaluate the evidence ten years later and with enhanced technology, the clearer picture ruled out Richards as the source of the mark.

NCIP Exonerees & Attorneys Featured on Radio Program

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:24:00 PST

Listen now and every Thursday at 9am PST for the next 5 weeks as 'PI's Declassified' on VoiceAmerica Internet radio features NCIP exonerees and attorneys!

Breakfast Briefing November 14, 2012

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 13:58:00 PST

On November 14, the Northern California Innocence Project (NCIP) hosted exoneree Gloria Killian, co-author of 'Full Circle, A True Story of Murder, Lies and Vindication' at its Breakfast Briefing series.

Join NCIP for its November 14 Breakfast Briefing!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 12:49:00 PST

Full Circle- A True Story of Murder, Lies and Vindication While a third-year law student, Gloria Killian was arrested and convicted of a robbery and murder she did not commit, and even faced the death penalty for the crimes. She steadfastly maintained her innocence, but was convicted and spent 16 years in a California State prison before her exoneration in 2002. How did this happen? Killian will explain, and talk about her life in prison. She'll also share her struggle for freedom, her ultimate exoneration, and what she's been up to since her release.

Texas State Bar files charges against former prosecutor Ken Anderson for his conduct in the Michael Morton case

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 14:11:00 PST

Ken Anderson, a former Williamson County, Texas District Attorney and current judge faces disciplinary action by the State Bar of Texas after charges were filed on October 24. Anderson is charged with withholding evidence in the trial of Michael Morton who spent nearly 25 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of a 1986 murder.

NCIP Exoneree Obie Anthony- I will vote "Yes" on Prop 34

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 14:22:00 PST

In 1995, Obie Anthony was wrongfully convicted of murder. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole and nearly escaped death row. Anthony spent 17 years in prison until he was freed last October with the help of the Northern California Innocence Project. Now, in an opinion piece for 'The Reporter' Anthony continues his fight for justice through his voice as an exoneree and an advocate of Prop 34.

SPECIAL NCIP EVENT! Death Row Exoneree and California Exoneree to Headline Panel Discussion on Prosecutorial Accountability

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 16:17:00 PST

Join NCIP for a special event on Oct. 11, when two men who spent a cumulative 35 years behind bars for crimes they did not commit -one coming within days of execution - will be among the featured speakers at the final stop of a nationwide 'Prosecutorial Oversight Tour.' The six-city tour was conceived to address the need for policy reforms to prevent prosecutorial misconduct, and has generated productive dialogue across the nation among lawyers, judges and state bar members.

Study Finds New Technique for Reducing Eyewitness Identification Problems

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 10:09:00 PST

In a new study, published in the Psychological Science journal, Neil Brewer of Flinders University and his team discovered a new type of lineup that produced identifications 20 to 30 percent more accurate than conventional lineups.

Chicago's New Conviction Integrity Unit Frees First Person

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:30:00 PST

Alprentiss Nash, 37, became the first person to have their conviction overturned solely by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office new Conviction Integrity Unit. State?s Attorney Anita Alvarez created the unit in February and after a re-investigation of Nash?s case, prosecutors asked a judge to vacate his murder conviction.

Los Angeles Police Department Resists Changes to Eyewitness Identification Procedures

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 10:02:00 PST

Studies show that eyewitness identifications can be notoriously unreliable unless conducted using known best practices such as blind administration and sequential presentation. However, the Los Angeles Police Department is still reluctant to enact reforms that have been sweeping the nation in recent years.

Prosecutors Dismiss Charges Against Virginia Man

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 09:52:00 PST

Michael Wayne Hash walked out of the Culpeper County courthouse a free man with his murder conviction and life sentence dismissed. The judge ruled that Hash's actual innocence claim had merit and his conviction was infected with police and prosecutorial misconduct, including coaching witnesses and failing to disclose a plea deal with a key witness. Hash was released on bail earlier this year but still was not completely free until recently, when his conviction was finally dismissed.

Indiana Woman Released on Bail Pending New Trial

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 09:47:00 PST

Kristine Bunch was recently released on $5,000 bail after she was granted a new trial earlier this month. Bunch was convicted in 1996 of setting a fire that killed her 3-year-old son. However, new fire science suggested that the fire was not arson as originally thought.

California Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence Due to Prosecutorial Misconduct

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:13:00 PST

The California Supreme Court reversed Miguel Bacigalupo's death sentence Monday finding that the prosecution failed to turn over evidence that would probably have led to a sentence of life-without-parole.

Massachusetts Exoneree's Name Finally Cleared

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 09:50:00 PST

Dennis Maher spent over 19 years in prison before he was exonerated in 2003 of two rapes. It took another nine years for his record to be completely expunged. Last month, Maher's name was finally cleared.

Vermont's First DNA Exoneration

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 10:14:00 PST

John Grega, 50, walked out of a Vermont prison Wednesday after spending 18 years in prison for a murder he always said he didn't commit. Grega was convicted in 1995 of murdering his wife, Christine, but recently, new DNA evidence collected from the victim's body revealed male DNA that did not match Grega.

Plight of Maryland Man Illustrates Need for Prompt DNA Testing

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 10:51:00 PST

K'vaughn Hines, 19, was charged with rape in January and spent more than four months behind bars before a DNA test exonerated him.

California Innocence Project Petitions Attorney General to Release Innocent Man

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 11:14:00 PST

Daniel Larsen's weapons conviction was overturned by a federal judge two years ago and yet he still remains in prison. This month Larsen's supporters delivered over 100,000 petition signatures to California Attorney General Kamala Harris asking her to release Larsen.

Indiana Woman Gets New Trial Due to Fire Science Failure

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:46:00 PST

Kristine Bunch will get a new trial in the death of her three-year-old son after the Indiana Supreme Court refused to overturn a lower court decision.

Innocence Project of Texas Investigating Arson Cases For Junk Science

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:19:00 PST

At the request of the Texas Forensic Science Commission, Jeff Blackburn, chief counsel for the Innocence Project of Texas is examining over one thousand arson cases to weed out any that might be based on the same bad forensic science that was used in the conviction of Cameron Todd Willingham.

U.S. Attorney Investigation- Five People Convicted in 1995 New York Cabbie Killing are Innocent

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 10:03:00 PST

Five people, Devon Ayers, Michael Cosme, Eric Glisson, Carlos Perez and Cathy Watkins, were all convicted of the murder of a cab driver in the Bronx in 1995. An article in New York magazine even focused on the investigation with the headline, 'How to Solve a Murder.' However, now an investigation by the United States Attorney's Office claims the murder was not actually solved.

Minnesota Crime Lab Problems Cause Prosecutors to Offer Plea Deals

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 09:30:00 PST

The St. Paul Police Department crime lab recently came under intense scrutiny after two public defenders, Lauri Traub and Christine Funk, uncovered major problems with the lab's work.

Exoneree Jeffrey Deskovic Critiques the New York Innocence Project's Exoneree Compensation Report

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 09:35:00 PST

Jeffrey Deskovic, who spent 16 years in prison before being exonerated in 2006, wrote an article for the Examiner.com critiquing the New York-based Innocence Project's recent report 'Making Up for Lost Time- What the Wrongfully Convicted Endure and How to Provide Fair Compensation.'

New Research Details Stigma Attached to Wrongfully Convicted People

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:38:00 PST

Authors at the University of Florida have researched the negative reactions and stigma associated with exonerated persons compared to parolees and average individuals. The abstract of the article 'After Exoneration- An Investigation of Stigma and Wrongfully Convicted Persons' states-

New Jersey Supreme Court Mandates Most Detailed Jury Instructions on Eyewitness Identification in the Nation

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:10:00 PST

The New Jersey Supreme Court has issued new guidelines for what juries are instructed about eyewitness identification. The instructions come almost a year after the court ruled that the current methods of identification resulted in a 'troubling lack of reliability.'

Second Man in as Many Months Exonerated In D.C.

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 10:23:00 PST

Kirk Odom became the second man in two months to have his rape conviction overturned due to erroneous hair matches. Odom, 49, was released in 2003 but only found to have been wrongfully convicted early this July after a court-ordered DNA test revealed the hair did not match him.

Ohio Man Wins New Trial

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:32:00 PST

The Ohio Innocence Project has won a new trial for Dewey Amos Jones III. Jones, 50, was convicted of murder and robbery in 1993 but always maintained his innocence.

Colorado Exoneree Struggling Without Compensation

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:22:00 PST

Life has been hard for Robert Dewey since he was released from prison in April. The Colorado exoneree spent 16 years wrongfully imprisoned and left empty-handed. Not only was Dewey denied access to all the post-release aid that parolees are given, Colorado also has no compensation statute. Dewey has no recourse for recompense.

Proposed Legislation Would Help Reduce Wrongful Convictions Based on Flawed Forensics

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 17 Jul 2012 10:03:00 PST

Congressional lawmakers have proposed legislation that would create federal grants to establish forensic science standards in an effort to reduce wrongful convictions.

North Carolina Man Struggling After Exoneration

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 09:42:00 PST

LaMonte Armstrong is trying to put his life back together. However, freedom has notcome easily.

Oakland Crime Lab Suffering from Serious Backlog

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:56:00 PST

An Alameda County Grand Jury has found serious problems with the Oakland Police Department's (OPD) crime lab. The report details a huge backlog of evidence waiting to be tested, inadequate facilities, and a severe staffing shortage.

Florida's Innocence Commission Says Lack of Funding a Major Cause of Wrongful Conviction

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 09:15:00 PST

Along with the known causes of wrongful conviction of mistaken eyewitness identification, jailhouse informants, and faulty scientific evidence, Florida's Innocence Commission has added a new leading cause- lack of adequate funding.

Illinois Man Receives $5 Million Settlement for Wrongful Conviction

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 12:53:00 PST

Marcus Lyons was wrongly convicted of rape in 1987. He was later exonerated through DNA evidence in 2007, received a full pardon in 2008 and last month he received a $5 million settlement from the town of Woodbridge for his wrongful imprisonment.

North Carolina Bill Makes Exoneree Compensation Even More Difficult

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 09:49:00 PST

Compensation for wrongful conviction is already hard to obtain in many states but a bill recently passed by the North Carolina state legislature places even more obstacles in front of exonerees who have already endured so much harm.

Albany Times Union- Protecting the Innocent Should be as High a Priority as Punishing the Guilty

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:49:00 PST

In an editorial in the Albany Times Union, the editorial board calls for the New York legislature to finally pass bills aimed at protecting defendants from wrongful conviction.

Texas Star-Telegram- Texas man deserves to have name cleared even after death

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 15:54:00 PST

Larry Sims's rape conviction was overturned last year after serving more than 24 years in prison for a crime that most likely never happened. But what he really wanted was to be declared actually innocent. Sadly, Sims died earlier this month at the age of 62. Still, says the Star-Telegram, the Dallas District Attorney's Office should fully exonerate him.

U.S. Supreme Court Muddies Waters of DNA Evidence Standards

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:53:00 PST

The U.S. Supreme Court once again weighed whether lab technicians must testify as to the results of DNA tests they perform. However, the answer was anything but clear.

Obstacles to Exoneration- The Eighth Circuit Court of Appeal's Impossible Standard

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 09:35:00 PST

The Midwest Innocence Project can prove Ricky Kidd is innocent of the murder that put him behind bars for life. Now if only the court will let them.

Unknown Number of North Carolina Men Wrongly Imprisoned

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 09:25:00 PST

Investigative reporters at USA Today have discovered an unusual problem with the North Carolina criminal justice system. Based on court records and interviews with government officials, the investigation revealed more than 60 men who went to prison for violating federal gun possession laws even though courts have since determined that what they did was not actually against federal laws.

Michigan Studying Changes to Broken Indigent Defense System

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 09:19:00 PST

Five different independent groups have called on Michigan to reform its system for paying lawyers to represent poor defendants. Each time the state has done nothing. Finally, that may be changing due to a lawsuit by the American Civil Liberties Union and a growing number of exonerations due to ineffective assistance of counsel.

New Study- Plea Bargaining Can Create Significant Risk of Wrongful Conviction

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 15 Jun 2012 09:25:00 PST

A new empirical study conducted by Lucian Dervan, Assistant Professor of Law at Southern Illinois University, and Vanessa Edkins, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the Florida Institute of Technology, reveals that students are likely to take plea bargains and confess to cheating even when they are innocent.

Former Santa Clara County Judge- I'll Always Remember the Man I Wrongfully Sentenced to Prison

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 10:15:00 PST

In an article written for the San Jose Mercury News, retired judge LaDoris Cordell writes about her experience with wrongful conviction.

CIP Exoneree Brian Banks Impresses Seattle Seahawks

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 12:41:00 PST

Recent California Innocence Project exoneree Brian Banks' dream of playing in the NFL continues in Seattle. After impressing the Seahawks coaches at a workout last week, head coach Pete Carroll has invited Banks to attend a mini-camp this week on a tryout basis.

California State Bar Charges Santa Clara Prosecutor with Misconduct, Disbarment Possible

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 10:27:00 PST

The California State Bar has charged Santa Clara deputy district attorney Troy Benson with five counts of misconduct, including suppressing evidence and then lying to cover it up.

New Fire Science Exonerates Michigan Man

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:05:00 PST

David Lee Gavitt, 54, walked out of prison last week after 26 years in prison. Gavitt was wrongly convicted of the arson murders of his wife and two daughters.

New York Advocates Seeking Protections to Reduce Wrongful Convictions

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 06 Jun 2012 09:49:00 PST

Advocates who want more protections against wrongful convictions are supporting legislation in New York making it harder to put innocent people behind bars.

Illinois Man Exonerated of 1984 Arson

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 10:31:00 PST

James Kluppelberg, 46, was released from prison Thursday after serving 24 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Kluppelberg was convicted in the 1984 arson deaths of six people after he was connected to the crime by a friend who later admitted he lied.

Exoneree Brian Banks Gets Second Shot at NFL Dream

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 31 May 2012 10:44:00 PST

Brian Banks, who was on his way to a big future in football before he was wrongfully convicted of rape in 2002, is getting a second shot at his dream. Banks, 26, was exonerated last week and so far, four NFL teams have offered Banks a spot in their training camps.

Opinion- Why Do Innocent People Plead Guilty

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:30:00 PST

Retired federal judge and NCIP Justice Award recipient H. Lee Sarokin opines on why defendants, like recently exonerated Brian Banks, would plead guilty when they are innocent.

Former Football Star's Rape Conviction Overturned Today

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 24 May 2012 15:12:00 PST

In 2002, Brian Banks, a 17 year old high school football star with a promising future, was convicted of a kidnap-rape by a fellow female classmate. With still no DNA evidence and a recantation by the alleged victim, the conviction was vacated today thanks to Bank's attorney, California Innocence Project Director Justin Brooks.

Two California Men Found Factually Innocent of 1998 Murder

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 23 May 2012 16:39:00 PST

Michael Crowe and his friend were declared factually innocent on Tuesday in tne 1998 murder of Crowe's sister.

Franky Carrillo on MSNBC's Politics Nation

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 23 May 2012 11:19:00 PST

NCIP exoneree Franky Carrillo was interviewed by Al Sharpton yesterday on Politics Nation.

National Exoneration Registry Tracks 2,000 Wrongful Convictions Since 1989

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 21 May 2012 10:52:00 PST

A new study conducted by the University of Michigan Law School and the Center for Wrongful Convictions at Northwestern Law School reports that more than 2,000 people have been wrongly convicted since 1989.

Washington D.C. Man's Murder Conviction Overturned

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:22:00 PST

Santae A. Tribble, 51, always maintained his innocence in the 1978 killing of a taxi driver in Washington, D.C. After 28 years in prison, a judge overturned Tribble's conviction and precluded Tribble from being charged again.

Del Norte County District Attorney Faces Possible Disbarment

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 17 May 2012 15:53:00 PST

Del Norte County District Attorney, Jon Alexander, is being investigated by the California State Bar for violating several rules of professional conduct.

New Study Tracks Racial Bias in Eyewitness Identification

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:24:00 PST

Professor Sheree Josephson of Weber State University in Utah recently published a study that once again proves that eyewitnesses struggle when trying to identify a suspect of another race. 'Whites tended to make a quick decision with few comparison being made to the other photos,' Josephson told the Ogden Standard-Examiner, 'while blacks tended to be very cautious, making lots of comparisons.'

New York Court Weighs Whether Death Threats Compromised 1992 Murder Trial

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 16 May 2012 09:24:00 PST

A New York appeals court called for a hearing into whether death threats against David Lou's defense attorney during his 1992 murder trial caused Lou to receive ineffective assistance of counsel.

Exonerees are Not the Only Victims of Wrongful Conviction

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:51:00 PST

Debbie Jones picked out Thomas McGowan as her rapist from a photo lineup. She had no doubt that McGowan was the right man. He was convicted, primarily on her testimony, and Jones did her best to move on with her life. The only problem was that McGowan was innocent. Over 20 years later, McGowan was exonerated through DNA testing.

Washington State Supreme Court Overturns Conviction and Death Sentence Due to Evidence Suppression

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:50:00 PST

The Washington Supreme Court overturned the conviction and death sentence of Darold Stenson ruling that his rights were violated when the state 'wrongfully suppressed' photographs that raised questions about mishandling of evidence and an FBI file that was never turned over.

Kentucky Inmates Challenging Post-Conviction DNA Testing Law

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:10:00 PST

Garr Keith Hardin and Jeffrey D. Clark are both serving life in prison for a murder they say they didn't commit. However, the DNA evidence that could exonerate them has never been tested due to a Kentucky law that only allows post-conviction DNA testing for those sentenced to death. Hardin and Clark are challenging that law in the Kentucky Supreme Court.

Eyewitness Identification Reform Catching on Nationwide

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 11 May 2012 11:34:00 PST

After more than three decades, law enforcement is starting to implement the recommendations of more than 3,000 scientific studies, according to Gary Wells of Iowa State University who has been studying eyewitness identification problems for 35 years.

Dallas County District Attorney Hero to Wrongfully Convicted

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:30:00 PST

Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins has become a leader, not only in Texas but nationally, in the effort to exonerate wrongfully convicted prisoners.

Judges Challenge Prosecutor's Resistance to DNA Testing in Death Row Case

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 09 May 2012 10:27:00 PST

Texas Solicitor General Jonathan Mitchell told a nine-member panel of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals that death row inmate Hank Skinner's request for DNA testing that could exonerate him was a 'frivolous' attempt to delay his execution. Skinner, 50, who maintains his innocence, was convicted in 1995 of the murder of his then-girlfriend and her sons.

CBS Video Featuring NCIP Exoneree Maurice Caldwell

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 08 May 2012 12:58:00 PST

CBS aired a piece last night about NCIP exoneree Maurice Caldwell and the need for law enforcement to use best practices in their eyewitness identification procedures. This could help reduce the number of wrongful convictions like Maurice's.

DNA Evidence Exonerates Colorado Man

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 08 May 2012 09:14:00 PST

Robert Dewey, 51, was freed last week after a joint motion to reverse his conviction was granted by a Mesa County, Colorado judge. A re-examination of DNA evidence in the rape and murder case exonerated Dewey and pointed to another man in prison for a similar crime. Dewey spent nearly 18 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.

Two Men Exonerated in Dallas Rape & Shooting

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:41:00 PST

James Curtis Williams and Raymond Jackson were released last Monday after being wrongfully convicted in a 30-year-old rape and shooting. Williams and Jackson had been convicted of aggravated sexual assault in 1983 but were exonerated through DNA testing.

Is Unconscious Bias Tainting Fingerprint Analysis?

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 03 May 2012 09:16:00 PST

Fingerprint analysis, once thought of as a gold standard of forensic science, is coming under increasing scrutiny by scientific experts. In 2004, neuroscientist Itiel Dror studied the process of fingerprint analysis. Dror argues that even competent experts can be swayed by 'cognitive bias,' meaning their knowledge of a case swayed their conclusions.

Join NCIP at our May 9th Breakfast Briefing about Eyewitness Identification Reforms!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:06:00 PST

Join NCIP at our May 9th Breakfast Briefing about Eyewitness Identification Reforms. A distinguished panel of law enforcement officers and prosecutors will discuss best practices and reform efforts in California. Don't miss this important discussion! Register here- http-//bit.ly/Jf7yVH

Kansas Police Department Changes Eyewitness Identification Procedures

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 02 May 2012 09:20:00 PST

In the aftermath of the wrongful rape conviction of Joe Jones and the mounting evidence that eyewitness misidentification is a widespread cause of wrongful conviction, the Topeka Police Department has instituted new policies for eyewitness identification. 'Eyewitness identification has for a long time been questionable,' Topeka Police Chief Ronald Miller told the Lawrence Journal-World.

Kentucky News Report Looks at Jailhouse Informants

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 01 May 2012 15:16:00 PST

A story by a news station in Louisville, Kentucky illustrates the problems with utilizing jailhouse informants and possible reform efforts.

Santa Clara County Crime Lab Receives Highest Accreditation

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:40:00 PST

The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office Crime Laboratory was awarded 'International' status by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD/LAB). The ASCLD/LAB is one of only two laboratory accrediting bodies in the United States and the only one recognized by the FBI.

NCIP Executive Director to Present Veritas Research in Arizona

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:22:00 PST

NCIP Executive Director Cookie Ridolfi will present research conducted by NCIP's Veritas Initiative on prosecutorial misconduct at The Prosecutorial Oversight Tour- A National Dialogue in the Wake of Connick v. Thompson panel today in Phoenix, Arizona.

California Man Maintaining Innocence Granted New Trial

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 11:29:00 PST

Frank O'Connell, incarcerated the last 27 years for a murder he always maintained he didn't commit, will likely be released from prison after a judge granted him bail last Friday. O'Connell, 54, a former Glendora High School football star, always proclaimed his innocence for the murder that sent him to prison for life in 1985.

Exonerated Florida Man Becomes Father

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 09:33:00 PST

James Bain, 56, is celebrating a new chapter in his life - fatherhood. Bain spent 35 years in prison in Florida for a kidnapping and rape he didn't commit. For years he requested DNA testing to prove his innocence and was denied because of technicalities. It wasn't until 2009 that he was able to prove his innocence through DNA testing.

Washington Post Article

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:35:00 PST

Convicted defendants left uninformed of forensic flaws found by Justice Dept

Three Texas Men Exonerated

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:43:00 PST

Shakara Robertson, Marcus Smith and Darryl Washington were exonerated on Friday after a judge declared them actually innocent. The three Dallas men had been convicted of a purse snatching in 1994 on the basis of eyewitness identification which turned out to be mistaken. The Innocence Project of Texas was able to locate the actual perpetrators who all confessed to the crime. The real criminals went on to commit more crimes while Robertson, Smith and Washington were being wrongfully convicted. They cannot be prosecuted because the statute of limitations has expired.

Obie Anthony Attends First Innocence Network Conference

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:28:00 PST

Obie Anthony joined Maurice Caldwell, Franky Carrillo Jr. and 100 other exonerees in a moment of recognition at the Innocence Network Conference in Kansas City. It's chilling to remember that there are many more exonerees out there, and many wrongfully convicted still waiting for their turn at justice.

Congratulations Maurice Caldwell!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:10:00 PST

Congratulations Maurice Antwone Caldwell - it's been just over a year since you were released from prison for a crime you didn't commit. We're so proud of you and how far you've come this past year. You've spread awarness to students and others through speaking engagements, provided for your family with your new job, and inspired all of us with your resilience! <a href='http-//www.facebook.com/#!/media/set/?set=a.358237980886452.77264.107659425944310&type=1'&rt;Photos</a&rt;

Panel at University of Texas Austin 3/29/12

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:34:00 PST

In advance of today's panel at the University of Texas at Austin, the data for prosecutorial misconduct in Texas has been released.

Intentional Miscoduct Against Ted Stevens

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:28:00 PST

Independent investigator, Henry F. Schuelke III, says that the six prosecutors involved in the corruption cases against former Senator Ted Stevens committed intentional misconduct when they failed to disclose evidence that would have seriously damaged the credibility of the government's key witness

NCIP is proud to announce this year's Pro Bono Award Recipient is the law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 14:19:00 PST

NCIP is proud to announce this year's Pro Bono Award Recipient is the law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, for their tenacious pursuit of justice and tremendous contribution of resources on behalf of an innocent client.

Update on Franky Carrillo!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:40:00 PST

Look what NCIP exoneree Franky Carrillo is up to, one year after his exoneration. We're so proud of you Franky! Shown in this video with Attorney Ellen Eggers, who was instrumental in his exoneration.

2012 Justice Award winners are...

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 15:38:00 PST

NCIP is pleased to announce the 2012 Justice Award honorees are Dennis Riordan, Donald Horgan, John Philipsborn and Michael Burt. These attorneys were amazing in their representation of the West Memphis Three on their appeals from convictions for crimes they did not commit. More at www.justiceforalldinner.com.

Virginia federal judge throws out capital murder conviction due to prosecutorial misconduct.

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 15:14:00 PST

Virginia federal judge throws out capital murder conviction due to prosecutorial misconduct

Today, Massachusetts became the 49th state to approve post-conviction DNA testing aimed at correcting wrongful convictions.

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:40:00 PST

Today, Massachusetts became the 49th state to approve post-conviction DNA testing aimed at correcting wrongful convictions. The legislation was unanimously approved by the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Oklahoma is now the lone holdout.

Exoneree Obie Anthony III will be the recipient of NCIP's 2012 Freedom Award.

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:39:00 PST

We are so excited to announce that exoneree Obie Anthony III will be the recipient of NCIP's 2012 Freedom Award, for his extraordinary strength, courage and faith. Visit www.justiceforalldinner.com for sponsorship and ticket information.

A Federal judge demanded transparency in the Ted Stevens case today.

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:37:00 PST

A Federal judge demanded transparency in the Ted Stevens case today, saying the independent report made during the investigation into former Sen. Ted Stevens' corruption charges must be released to the public in its entirety.

An opinion piece by Conrad Black

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:33:00 PST

This opinion piece by Conrad Black appeared recently on the Huffington Post. Black cited the cases of Michael Morton, John Thompson and Ted Stevens to highlight the problem of prosecutorial misconduct.

LA Times wrote about NCIP client George Souliotes.

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:31:00 PST

http-//www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-arson-innocence-20120130,0,2843382.story

Save The Date for Our Annual Justice For All Awards Dinner!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:28:00 PST

Save the Date! NCIP's 5th Annual Justice for All Awards Dinner is on March 22, 2012. It is NCIP's primary means of raising funds to continue its programs, and showcases the inspiring stories of innocent prisoners who fought to regain their freedom and achieve justice system reforms. More information at www.JusticeForAllDinner.com

Washington set to review new wrongful conviction compensation law.

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:27:00 PST

Washington set to review new wrongful conviction compensation law- A new bill in the Washington state legislature would give exonerated defendants $50,000 per year of wrongful incarceration, with additional compensation for death row and sex crime exonerees. By comparison, California gives exoneratees $100 per day of incarceration or $36,500 per year.

A Warm Welcome To Our 17 Students!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:17:00 PST

A big welcome to our 17 new clinic students who finished boot camp last weekend and are starting work on their first cases. And welcome back to our 11 NCIP Advanced students. Your work is essential to our mission to fight wrongful convictions!

Happy New Year! NCIP's January 11th Breakfast Briefing is around the corner!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 11:16:00 PST

Join us for 'Innocence and the Death Penalty' where Natasha Minsker, Death Penalty Policy Director for the Northern California ACLU, will be speaking. Register and get more information.

The Innocence Network released its 2011 Report today. Network members exonerated 21 people nationwide this year who served a combined total of 265 years in prison for crimes they did not commit.

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:23:00 PST

NCIP was proud to have secured 3 of those 21 exonerations! Many thanks to all our supporters who helped make this year so successful!

Illinois prosecutor to retire early after making "inappropriate" comments

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:39:00 PST

Lake County, Illinois prosecutor Michael Mermel will retire in January. Mermel lost the support of many county officials after making 'inappropriate' comments to the media about the continued prosecution of cases where the DNA does not match the defendant.

NCIP's December 14th Breakfast Briefing is around the corner!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:19:00 PST

Join us for 'Case Files- The Exoneration of Obie Anthony' where Obie and his NCIP lawyers, Linda Starr and Paige Kaneb, will be speaking.

Prosecutorial Misconduct

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:05:00 PST

This editorial about the prosecutorial misconduct in the case of Ted Stevens appeared in the New York Times recently.

New police protocols in San Francisco could help witnesses ID criminals!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:03:00 PST

Kudos to new SF Police Chief Greg Suhr who announced their adoption of sequential lineups - in which the suspects are shown to the witness one at a time, as opposed to all at once - to reduce mistaken eyewitness identifications. The change will take place January 1st.

LA Times piece on NCIP client George Souliotes

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 12:04:00 PST

LA Times piece on NCIP client George Souliotes, who won the right to show a judge in January that his conviction was based on bad science. Stay tuned.

"Never, ever, ever give up"

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:21:00 PST

At the end of today's hearing, the judge wished Obie well, sharing a message with him from his own father- 'Never, ever, ever give up.'

Great news!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:20:00 PST

Big News! Charges Dismissed! LA County DA said that the State would not seek to bring Obie Anthony to trial again and the court dismissed the charges. Obie's 17-year ordeal has ended and he can begin re-building his life.

Be on the look out for good news!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 01:19:00 PST

NCIP attorneys are back in court in Los Angeles today at 1-30 PM to hear whether the LA DA will seek to retry our client, Obie Anthony. We'll keep you updated.

Prosecutor in Morton case denies prosecutorial misconduct

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 15:12:00 PST

Former Williamson County district attorney Ken Anderson, who prosecuted Michael Morton for murder in 1987 says he feels sick over Morton's wrongful conviction.

The New York Times published an editorial about Brady's Mandate

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:18:00 PST

The Supreme Court should strengthen prosecutors' duty to disclose evidence to defendants. It is central to fundamental fairness in criminal cases.

A year in the life of Obie Anthony

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:14:00 PST

Seventeen years ago, jurors convicted Obie Anthony in the shooting death of a man outside a South L.A. brothel. All along, Anthony insisted he didn't do it. He was 19 when he went to prison.

NCIP's Linda Starr Discussed Franky Carillo on Last Night's News

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:00:00 PST

NCIP's Linda Starr was on the news last night discussing client Franky Carrillo's case and how faulty eyewitness identification played into his wrongful conviction. She discussed some best practices which NCIP hopes CA law enforcement agencies will adopt.

Federal Judge Reinstates Award to Exonoree

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 09:57:00 PST

A federal judge reinstates a $9 million award to exonoree George Rodriguez who was wrongfully imprisoned for 17 years

NCIP's Cookie Ridolfi was quoted in a Washington Post article!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:42:00 PST

NCIP's Cookie Ridolfi was quoted in a Washington Post article about Prosecutorial Misconduct and the Pros Oversight Tour-

"Prosecutorial Oversight' tour video!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:40:00 PST

See video from yesterday's press conference announcing the 'Proseutorial Oversight' tour where Cookie spoke about the impact of NCIP's Veritas research in California-

USA Today wrote a story about the nationwide "Prosecutorial Oversight" tour

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:39:00 PST

USA Today wrote a story about the nationwide 'Prosecutorial Oversight' tour

SJMN Opinion piece- Lack of Reporting Prosecutorial Misconduct

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:17:00 PST

SJMN Opinion piece- NCIP Executive Director Cookie Ridolf & Visiting Researcher Maurice Possley discuss the lack of reporting of prosecutorial misconduct in California.

Join us for our October 2011 Breakfast Briefing!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:13:00 PST

Why would anyone confess to a crime they did not commit? Join us for our next Breakfast Briefing, Wed., Oct. 12th to find out. Professor Richard Leo, internationally recognized researcher of police interrogation practices, will answer the question.

Obie Anthony was recently released after 17 years of being wrongly incarcerated! Support NCIP's work by donating!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:09:00 PST

Obie Anthony was recently released after 17 years of being wrongly incarcerated! Support NCIP's work by donating!

Obie Anthony's story is being featured on NPR!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:07:00 PST

Obie Anthony's story is being featured on NPR! Click on the link for the full article- http-//bit.ly/nnt3sk

Obie Anthony walked out of prison a free man Tuesday night!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 12:42:00 PST

Great News! NCIP client Obie Anthony walked out of prison a free man Tuesday night! Check out our FB page for photos! http-//on.fb.me/mBFnnE

Obie Anthony's story is in the LA Times!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:32:00 PST

Obie Anthony's story is being featured in the LA Times! Click on the link to read the full article.

Obie Anthony just got exonerated!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:31:00 PST

Conviction just overturned for NCIP client Obie Anthony!! Congratulations to Obie and NCIP lawyers, who just secured their record third exoneration in one year! More at http-//law.scu.edu/ncip/breaking-news.cfm

False Confessions-"Why Innocent People Confess"

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 12:24:00 PST

Check out October Breakfast Briefing!

Troy Davis case shows hwo wrong eyewitness identification can be

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:03:00 PST

More on eyewitness identifications in California from NCIP in the coming weeks.

Troy Davis Executed

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:01:00 PST

Troy Davis was executed last night, despite maintaining innocence until the end

Act Immediately- Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles issued its denial of clemency for Troy Davis

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:54:00 PST

Earlier today, the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles issued its denial of clemency for Troy Davis. Right now, please immediately act and urge the parole board to reconsider their decision. Please click this link to join us in calling on the Board to reconsider its decision, and on the Chatham County (Savannah) District Attorney Larry Chisolm to do the right thing. Please also e-mail the board at Clemency_Information@pap.state.ga.us and urge them to reconsider their decision. Thank you!

SCU Law Centennial BBQ is this Saturday!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 13:54:00 PST

NCIP Alums- We can't wait to see you Saturday at the SCU Law Centennial BBQ! We've got gourmet desserts and lots of other fun planned for you.

Our Breakfast Briefing Fall Series is here!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:05:00 PST

NCIP's Breakfast Briefing Series Fall Series is here! Join us Sept. 14th for 'The Myth of Fingerprints' with forensic evidence expert Ken Moses. We look forward to seeing you there! Register and get more information-

NPR did a story on the ongoing debate about the role eyewitness testimony plays in criminal proceedings.

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:02:00 PST

NPR did a story on the ongoing debate about the role eyewitness testimony plays in criminal proceedings.

Calling all NCIP Alums!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:42:00 PST

Reconnect with fellow alums and staff September 10!

Big Step Forward for NCIP Client

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 10:15:00 PST

Big step forward in the case of NCIP client George Souliotes

US Supreme Court to look into eyewitness identifications

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:33:00 PST

US Supreme Court to look into eyewitness identifications

Yes, big news - The West Memphis Three have been Freed.

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:32:00 PST

To read more, check out the links below!

California Jailhouse Informant Bill Passes the state Assembly

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 11:00:00 PST

A bill that would prohibit criminal convictions based solely on the uncorroborated testimony of a jailhouse informant has passed the state Assembly.

Check out our FB page for some "Justice for All" awards dinner photos!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:06:00 PST

Check out our FB page for some 'Justice for All' awards dinner photos!

Thank you for supporting the Justice for All awards dinner!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:04:00 PST

THANK YOU for the tremendous support of NCIP's June 2 Justice for All awards dinner! Over 400 attendees and incredible support which has helped get us much closer to our fundraising goal for this year!

Cooley LLP to recieve award

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:17:00 PST

NCIP honors Cooley LLP

John Thompson, former Death Row inmate now exonerated after 18 years behind bars in Louisiana, will receive the Freedom Award on June 2 at NCIP's Justice For All Dinner.

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 20 May 2011 16:12:00 PST

John Thompson, former Death Row inmate now exonerated after 18 years behind bars in Louisiana, will receive the Freedom Award on June 2 at NCIP's Justice For All Dinner. Thompson has created Resurrection After Exoneration, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping exonerees get back on their feet after decades in prison.

NBC Bay Area writes about NCIP's two recent exonerations.

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 20 May 2011 13:04:00 PST

NBC Bay Area writes about NCIP's two recent exonerations.

John Hollway to recieve award at Justice for All Awards dinner

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 10 May 2011 14:07:00 PST

Author of 'Killing Time- an 18-year Odyssey from Death Row to Freedom' to recieve award

Stevens Urges Congress to Crack Down on Prosecutorial Misconduct

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 04 May 2011 16:30:00 PST

Recent Connick v. Thompson decision criticized by former Supreme Court Justice

The Hammerschmidt Broughton Law Corporation saluted the Innocence Network for securing 29 exonerations in 2010.

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 03 May 2011 12:21:00 PST

The shareholders and staff of the Hammerschmidt Broughton Law Corporation in Fresno, California, take great pleasure in saluting the Innocence Project for its outstanding work in 2010 and 2011 in advocating for innocent people who were wrongfully convicted and imprisoned.

Juliette Lewis to attend JFA Awards dinner!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:56:00 PST

Award-winning actress who co-starred with Hilary Swank in 'Conviction' to attend JFA Awards dinner!

Pamela Gray to attend the Justice for All awards dinner!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:16:00 PST

Screenwriter of the film 'Conviction' to attend NCIP's Justice for All awards dinner

NCIP's Veritas Initiative in the news!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:13:00 PST

NCIP's Veritas Initiative report on prosecutorial misconduct in 2010 was reported on in the San Jose Mercury News Saturday.

Northern California Innocence Project ?"DA Should Admit Convicting an Innocent Man," a piece NCIP Attorney Paige Kaneb wrote for the San Francisco Chronicle, was in Wednesday's paper

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 12:24:00 PST

Northern California Innocence Project 'DA Should Admit Convicting an Innocent Man,' a piece NCIP Attorney Paige Kaneb wrote for the San Francisco Chronicle, was in Wednesday's paper. Read it here-

Justice for All Awards dinner

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:19:00 PST

Invitations going out soon!

Save the date for JFA!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:02:00 PST

Save the date for NCIP's annual Justice for All awards dinner- 06/2/2011! This dinner is NCIP's primary means of raising funds to continue its programs, and showcases the inspiring stories of innocent people who served decades in prison and fought to regain their freedom and achieve justice system reforms. Get more information here

Join NCIP for its April 13th Breakfast Briefing!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 16:20:00 PST

NCIP's two recently exonerated clients Francisco 'Franky' Carrillo, Maurice Caldwell, and their lawyers will be speaking about their experiences.

NCIP's Veritas Initiative released its first annual report of prosecutorial misconduct in California on Wednesday

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:27:00 PST

The report documents judicial findings of misconduct by prosecutors in state and federal courts in 2010. Veritas researchers found 130 findings of misconduct in 102 cases, 26 of which resulted in reversals of convictions,... orders for new trial or the barring of prosecution evidence.

On March 16, ABC 7 Los Angeles TV reported on Franky Carrillo's release

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:30:00 PST

On March 16, ABC 7 Los Angeles TV reported on Franky's release.

On March 17, LA Times reports on Franky Carrillo's release

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:20:00 PST

On March 17, LA Times reports on Franky's release after 20 years in prison.

Cooperation Leads to Freeing An Innocent Man

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 15:14:00 PST

Francisco Carrillo, Jr. is exonerated after spending nearly 20 years incarcerated for a crime he did not commit

NCIP's Legal Director, Linda Starr, Quoted in Story by California Watch!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:34:00 PST

California Watch quoted NCIP's Legal Director, Linda Starr, in an excellent story about obstacles that exonerees face in obtaining compensation for their wrongful convictions.

Register Today for NCIP's March 9 Breakfast Briefing!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:25:00 PST

Kathleen Ridolfi Named to 2011 California Lawyer Attorneys of the Year List

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:29:00 PST

NCIP Director Cookie Ridolfi is one of 45 attorneys named by California Lawyer Magazine in their 15th annual California Lawyer Attorneys of the Year Awards. Award winners' achievements had a significant impact in 2010. Congratulations Cookie!

Happy 10th Anniversary NCIP!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 16:01:00 PST

Happy 10th Anniversary NCIP! NCIP Director Cookie Ridolfi and Legal Director Linda Starr accept a commendation to NCIP from the City of San Jose.

Join NCIP for its February 9 Breakfast Briefing, "Prosecutors- Accountable or Not?"

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 12:16:00 PST

Join NCIP for its February 9 Breakfast Briefing, 'Prosecutors- Accountable or Not?' and view a listing of other upcoming briefings!

State vows to proceed with retrial of NCIP client Maurice Caldwell

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:12:00 PST

Despite evidence of his innocence, the State will retry NCIP client Maurice Caldwell.

A San Diego prosecutor's misconduct at trial prompts a reversal

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 12:16:00 PST

A San Diego prosecutor's misconduct at trial prompts a reversal and illustrates a case of prosecutorial misconduct.

On January 18, USA Today reported Justice Dept. office to punish prosecutors' misconduct

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 12:07:00 PST

On January 18, USA Today reported that the Justice Department has created a new internal watchdog office to punish prosecutors' misconduct.

NYT Article Discusses Creation of "Professional Misconduct Review Unit" on January 18

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:17:00 PST

As reported in the NYT, on January 18, the Justice Department announced the creation of the 'Professional Misconduct Review Unit' to investigate prosecutorial misonduct.

Great Breakfast Briefing Turnout!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:53:00 PST

NCIP's Breakfast Briefing speaker series continues to bring a great turnout.

LA Times Article Highlights the Difficulty of Holding Prosecutors Accountable

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 10:11:00 PST

On January 9, the LA Times published an article on the difficulty exoneree John Thompson and others have in holding prosecutors accountable for their actions.

Convicted Texas Man Cleared by DNA Test After 30 Years in Prison

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:40:00 PST

On January 4, PBS NewsHour featured a piece on Cornelius Dupree, a convicted Texas man cleared by DNA testing after 30 years in prison. Join us at NCIP's January 12th Breakfast Briefing to learn more about evidence retention and access.

NCIP Celebrates Recent Rulings in California Cases

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 10:46:00 PST

NCIP is celebrating the rulings in the cases of three innocent California men in three unrelated cases -- all wrongful convictions.

Conviction Overturned for NCIP Client Maurice Caldwell on December 16

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 18:03:00 PST

On Thursday December 16, NCIP Client Maurice Caldwell's conviction was overturned in San Francisco.

CNN Discusses "Preventable Error" Report

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 15 Dec 2010 10:57:00 PST

With guests Barry Scheck and Jeffrey Toobin, CNN discusses NCIP's study of prosecutorial misconduct in California.

Watch "The Confessions" Online

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:17:00 PST

On Tuesday, November 9, Frontline presented 'The Confessions,' a must-see program on false confessions. Now you can watch it online.

Adjusting to Life on the Outside

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:46:00 PST

On November 21, The Columbus Dispatch published an article highlighting how three recent DNA exonerees adjust to life on the outside.

Frontline Presents "The Confessions" on November 9

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:15:00 PST

On Tuesday, November 9, Frontline presents 'The Confessions,' a must-see program on false confessions.

ABC's 20/20 Features the Wrongly Convicted on November 5

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 10:56:00 PST

On November 5, 20/20 features the case of a police officer who was falsely accused and wrongly convicted of the molestation of his children.

NCIP on KTVU News on October 17

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:29:00 PST

On October 17, NCIP's Kathleen Ridolfi spoke about prosecutorial misconduct on KTVU News.

NCIP Featured in San Jose Mercury News on October 17

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:58:00 PST

An article in the San Jose Mercury News on October 17 stated that the California Bar launched a review of 130 prosecutors, following the release of NCIP's 'Preventable Error' report.

October Breakfast Briefing Held on October 13

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:57:00 PST

On October 13, NCIP held its monthly Breakfast Briefing, featuring NCIP Supervising Attorney Maitreya Badami and Placer County Senior Deputy District Attorney Garen Horst.

"Preventable Error" Co-author Maurice Possley on NBC Affiliate in LA on October 9

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:47:00 PST

'Preventable Error' Co-author Maurice Possley talked to NBC Affiliate in LA on October 9.

The Stars of "Conviction" and the Wrongfully Convicted on Larry King Live on October 6

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 10:45:00 PST

'Conviction' stars Hilary Swank and Sam Rockwell, and some of the wrongfully convicted sat down with Larry King on October 6.

NCIP in LA Times on October 5

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:07:00 PST

NCIP was in the LA Times on October 5!

NCIP Report Featured on ABC7 News

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 11:59:00 PST

NCIP made the 6 o'clock news on October 4!

NCIP Holds Press Conference Announcing New Report

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:56:00 PST

NCIP held a press conference the morning of October 4 for the release of 'Preventable Error'.

NCIP Releases Report on Prosecutorial Misconduct

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:48:00 PST

NCIP Releases 'Preventable Error' Report

Mistaken Eyewitness ID to Blame for Inmate's 27-year Wrongful Incarceration

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:58:00 PST

Newly exonerated Texas man is left to ponder whether to take $2.2 million in compensation from the State of Texas or file a civil lawsuit. The rest of us ponder how many others have been wrongfully convicted by mistaken eyewitness identifications.

Supreme Court to Hear Connick v. Thompson October 12

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:41:00 PST

Supreme Court to hear Connick v. Thompson October 12

Must-See Film "Conviction" out October 15

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 13:57:00 PST

The film 'Conviction' is in theatres on October 15 and is a must-see!

View the Latest NCIP e-newsletter

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:27:00 PST

Get the latest NCIP news

The Innocent Prisoner's Dilemma

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:27:00 PST

The innocent prisoner faces a moral dilemma.

Story on NCIP Client in LA Times

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 09:58:00 PST

Story on NCIP client George Souliotes in this morning's LA Times.

Linda Starr Interviewed by KCBS

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 18 May 2010 11:14:00 PST

NCIP Legal Director Linda Starr was interviewed by KCBS, regarding the recent US Supreme court decision that held it unconstitutional to sentence juveniles to life without the possibility of parole for crimes other than homicide.

Women Defenders to Honor Kathleen "Cookie" Ridolfi

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:47:00 PST

On Thursday, May 13, in San Francisco, Women Defenders will be honoring Cookie Ridolfi for her unparalleled contribution to the world of criminal defense.

NCIP to review DNA evidence in Vacaville slaying case

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 12:17:00 PST

The Northern California Innocence Project will be reviewing DNA evidence from a 2006 trial that resulted in a murder conviction for a former Sacramento laborer arrested for the 1982 slaying of a Vacaville woman.

Witch Hunt Screening on March 24

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:46:00 PST

Witch Hunt Screening on March 24

NCIP Noontime Event March 17

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:22:00 PST

NCIP Noontime Event

Ninth Circuit Moot

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:45:00 PST

Ninth Circuit Moot

Urgent! Write to Governor Schwarzenegger Today!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 11:26:00 PST

AB 316 is a huge step forward in helping wrongfully convicted exonorees get the compensation they so desperately need after years of imprisonment. Please fax the attached letter to the Governor by midnight, Saturday, October 16!

From Tragedy to Travesty to Truth- The Bismarck Dinius Case

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:46:00 PST

From Tragedy to Travesty to Truth- The Bismarck Dinius Case

NCIP Exoneree Jeff Rodriguez

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:12:00 PST

Jeff

"Witch Hunt" in the news

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:57:00 PST

Witch Hunt

Justice for All Awards Dinner in the news

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:53:00 PST

JFA Dinner

Comments on "Witch Hunt"

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:02:00 PST

Witch Hunt Congrats

Rick Walker Film Screening at SCU

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:16:00 PST

Film Screening

News on "Witch Hunt"

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:44:00 PST

news on Witch Hunt

Register for "Witch Hunt" today!

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:42:00 PST

Registration

Innocence in USA Today

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 09:46:00 PST

Innocence in USA Today

Jill Kent at AFI

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:09:00 PST

Jill at AFI

Updates on Legal Director Linda Starr

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 14:57:00 PST

Updates on Linda Starr

Schwarzenegger Vetos Compensation for the Innocent

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:29:00 PST

Vetos

Witch Hunt

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:53:00 PST

Updates

NCIP Updates

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 09:47:00 PST

Legal Director Linda Starr's participation in California events.

Premier of Witch Hunt

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:05:00 PST

Toronto Film Festival

California Commission for the Fair Administration of Justice Forum

aekennedy@scu.edu (NCIP) — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 08:30:00 PST

A lecture by John Van De Camp