Through the Institute for Actual Innocence, Richmond Law students take a leading role in screening, investigating, and litigating felony cases in which there is credible evidence of the convicted person’s innocence. Under the direct supervision of Professor Mary Kelly Tate, students investigate cases and seek the necessary evidence to pursue exonerations arising from post-conviction statutes called “writs of actual innocence.” The clinic also assists convicted individuals in the federal system to pursue clemency relief granted through the Office of the Pardon Attorney.
In addition to the many practical legal experiences that the clinic affords, students participate in a program aimed at upholding the integrity of our criminal justice system Students collaborate and engage with persons across many professional and disciplinary sectors of society, including other lawyers, prosecutors, forensic scientists, judges, elected officials and others. Most importantly, students produce legal work product for indigent incarcerated individuals in need of legal services.
An important outcome of directly representing persons in need of legal assistance is student exposure to the role of public service in the life of a lawyer. Additionally the concrete legal skills and experiences gained in the clinic confer upon students a practice-ready competitive advantage.
