The HLS Project on Wrongful Convictions is a student organization at Harvard
Law School that seeks to raise awareness for the various problems with the
American criminal system that result in the wrongful convictions of numerous
individuals every year. As part of its mission, the Project also assists the
New England Innocence Project in evaluating potential innocence claims based on
DNA evidence. If you are interested in learning more about the Project, please
contact Mary Ziegler,
Russell Valdez, or
Sylvia Heredia.
Welcome Class of 2009,
The Harvard Project on Wrongful Convictions is involved in an array of
activities -- both on-campus and off-campus -- directed to preventing wrongful
convictions, to righting wrongful convictions, and to increasing awareness of
the grave problem of wrongful convictions in the American criminal justice
system. Whether your interest is in criminal justice policy reform, in
criminal defense representation, or in justice plain and simple, the HPWC will
offer many opportunities for you here at Harvard Law School.
In the coming academic year, we expect to host several speakers, to host a
conference, to continue facilitating clinical placements with the New England
Innocence Project, and to offer various research and pro bono assistance
projects for interested students. Initiative by enterprising 1Ls is
encouraged, though we will also have structured opportunities for 1Ls who not
only feel the pinch of the first year’s time pressures, but also the pinch of
social responsiblity. In short, whatever the magnitude of task you undertake,
whatever the extent of the commitment you make, the HPWC welcomes you as a
partner in furthering its mission.
Please feel free to contact any of the HPWC Co-Chairs if you have any questions
about the organization or about law school in general. We would be delighted
to hear from you. We look forward to meeting you in the fall!
Yours,
Mary, Russell, Sylvia.
