Fall 2012
    Law No.: LAW8628
    Sched. No.: 112820616

Innocence Project Clinic (YR)
Section 1
X
Engle, Matthew L.
Enright, Deirdre M.



Administrative Information:
During SIS enrollment, check on SIS for real-time enrollment numbers
Days, Times (Room):T, 1500-1700 (SL366)
Credits:4Type:Yearlong clinic
Capacity:12 **This information is current as of 05/22/2013 06:17:45 AM**
Current Enrollment:12 **This information is current as of 05/22/2013 06:17:45 AM**
Syllabus: View Syllabus (requires LawWeb account)



Course Description:

NOTE: Of the eight credits awarded for this clinic, four will receive a letter grade and four will be graded credit/no-credit. All credits and grades will be awarded at the end of the academic year.

Students in this year-long clinic will investigate and litigate wrongful convictions of inmates throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. Some of the cases will have forensic evidence (usually DNA) that could be tested, and some will be non-DNA cases. Preliminary cases will be assigned to individual clinic students for factual development and evaluation to determine whether or not the clinic should accept the case. The decision to accept or decline representation will be made by the full clinic with the final decision being made by Professors Enright and Engle. On cases that the clinic accepts for representation, students will work in teams of 3-4 to investigate and litigate those cases. In every case, students will be directed and assisted by the clinic Professors, but as students demonstrate competence and confidence, they may earn the opportunity for greater independence. Although the clinic will have a classroom component, most time will be devoted to casework – interviewing potential clients and witnesses, general investigation, reviewing case files, collecting records, searching court files, and drafting pleadings. Students will likely be visiting inmates at correctional centers, and conducting investigation in a wide variety of socioeconomic settings accompanied by a clinic Professor, private investigator, or, in some instances, another student.

Students should attempt to arrange their schedules to have at least one full weekday free for investigations. Some weekend and evening investigations will also be required. In addition, student teams will meet regularly with Professors Engle and Enright for supervision and direction. Students will earn eight credits for the year. Interested students should anticipate that the clinic will require a minimum of 15 hours per week, but the hours required for clinic work will vary according to the demands of the cases. The professors will not always be able to predict or control when the cases will demand intensive hours, so flexibility is important. ONCE ENROLLED IN THE CLINIC, YOU MAY NOT DROP.

Interested students must apply and be accepted to enroll in the clinic. To do so, please forward a resume, an unofficial transcript and a brief letter explaining your interest in the Innocence Project Clinic to Professor Deirdre Enright (deirdre@virginia.edu) AND Professor Matthew Engle (matthewengle@virginia.edu) no later than May 18, 2012. Selected students will be notified via e-mail by May 25, 2012. Although grades and experience are relevant considerations, your motivation and commitment to this work will be our primary considerations in making selections. Remember that your letter of interest is our only source for evaluating those qualities.

ENROLLMENT LIMITATION: Students may enroll in one clinic per semester. On a space-available basis, students may petition to enroll in a second clinical offering after the add/drop period has ended.
PREREQUISITE: Second- or third-year status. Criminal Procedure and Evidence recommended, but not required
COURSE REQUIREMENT: Interviewing potential clients and witnesses, general investigation, reviewing case files, collecting records, searching court files, developing and implementing litigation strategies, and more. Having access to a car for travel purposes is extremely helpful. Please indicate in your letter of interest whether or not you have access to a car for use in investigations. (You are reimbursed for your mileage.)

Prerequisites:Second- or third-year status. Criminal Procedure and Evidence recommended, but not required.
This course is on the professional skills course list.