Innocence Project Clinic (YR)

LAW8628
Section 1, Fall 25

Schedule Information

Enrollment: 8/14
Credits: 4
Days Time Room Start Date End Date

Tue

 		1410-1610 WB119 08/26/2025 12/02/2025

Course Description

Students work in teams of 4-5 to screen, investigate and litigate cases of potential wrongful convictions in Virginia. In every case, students are directed and assisted by the clinic professors, but as students demonstrate competence and confidence, they may earn the opportunity for greater independence. The classroom component focuses on the causes of wrongful convictions, as well as the state and federal remedies available to post-conviction petitioners. In addition to the 2-hour weekly class, students will be assigned to two different teams, each of which will meet for 1 hour each week. During their casework, students will be expected to collect and review case files and public records; create and implement investigation plans; locate and contact witnesses; conduct legal research; and draft memoranda, pleadings and pardon/parole petitions. Students should attempt to arrange their schedules to have at least one full weekday free for investigations, usually Fridays. Some weekend and evening investigations are also required. Students earn eight credits for the year, half of which are Satisf.(S)/Unsatisf.(U) (Fall) and the other half are Honors/Pass/Fail (Spring). Students should anticipate that the clinic will require a minimum of 12 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.

Course Requirements

Exam Information

Final Type (if any): None

Description: None

Written Work Product

Writing pertaining to interviewing potential clients and witnesses, general investigation, reviewing case files, collecting records, searching court files, developing and implementing litigation strategies, and more.

Other Work

Interviewing potential clients and witnesses, general investigation, reviewing case files, collecting records, searching court files, developing and implementing litigation strategies, etc.

Other Course Details

Prerequisites: Criminal Procedure and Evidence recommended, but not required. Because the credits in this course count toward the JD Program Professional Skills requirement, JD candidates will be given enrollment priority for this class. Concurrencies: None

Exclusive With: None

Laptops Allowed: Yes

First Day Attendance Required: Yes

Course Resources: To be announced via Canvas.

Course Notes: NOTE REGARDING ENROLLMENT: the enrollment process is described at https://www.law.virginia.edu/clinics/faqs-about-clinics#howenroll. If seats are available in this clinic after the lottery process, students can request enrollment via https://virginia.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8AoAfjpGKKmaHxc. If a student seeking a seat in this class is enrolled in another clinic, enrollment authorization from the instructors from both clinics must be provided to the Student Records Office via email ([email protected]). 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 Givens and Hatchett for supervision and direction. Interested students should anticipate that the clinic will require a minimum of 12 hours per week and you will be expected to record your time on clinic timesheets. The hours required for clinic work will vary according to the demands of the cases. The professor will not always be able to predict or control when the cases will demand intensive hours, so flexibility is important. MATTER ASSIGNMENT POLICY: For questions about how matters are assigned, talk to the clinic directors.

Graduation Requirements

Satisfies Understanding Bias/Racism/Cross-Cultural Competency requirement: Yes

Satisfies Writing Requirement: No

Credits For Prof. Skills Requirement: Yes

Satisfies Professional Ethics: No

Additional Course Information

Schedule No.: 125818726

Modified Type: Clinical (Excl.)

Cross Listed: No

Waitlist Count: 0

Concentrations: Criminal Justice , Litigation and Dispute Resolution , Public Service and Leadership

Evaluation Portal Via LawWeb Opens: Sunday, November 23, 12:01 AM

Evaluation Portal Via LawWeb Closes: Friday, December 05, 11:59 PM

Information reflected on this page was last refreshed at: Tuesday, July 08, 2025 - 7:02 AM *

*During open enrollment periods, live enrollment data may be found in SIS.