Program Overview

Advanced Wrongful Convictions Clinic

The Advanced Clinic builds on the lectures, training, and work of the Wrongful Convictions Clinic. Students will be assigned to Clinic cases, working more independently than Clinic students, though still under faculty supervision. Depending on the status of the case, students will interview witnesses, draft legal documents, work with experts, prepare for court, and otherwise take the steps necessary to prove the Clinic client’s claim of innocence and related constitutional claims. Prerequisite: Wrongful Convictions Clinic or, in the exceptional case, permission of the instructor.

Course Areas of Practice

• Criminal Law and Procedure
• Law, Democracy, and Society

Evaluation Methods

• Group project(s)
• Practical exercises
• Live-client representation and case management
• Class participation

Degree Requirements

• JD elective
• PIPS experiential

Learning Outcomes

• Legal analysis and reasoning, legal research, problem-solving, and written and oral communication in the legal context
• Other professional skills needed for competent and ethical participation as a member of the legal profession

Course Offerings

The Advanced Wrongful Convictions Clinic has been offered in the following semesters:

• Spring 2026
• Fall 2025
• Spring 2025
• Fall 2024
• Spring 2024
• Fall 2023
• Spring 2023
• Fall 2022
• Spring 2022
• Fall 2021
• Fall 2020
• Spring 2020
• Spring 2019
• Fall 2018
• Spring 2018
• Fall 2017
• Spring 2017
• Fall 2016
• Spring 2016

Instructors

• James E. Coleman, Jr.
• Jamie T. Lau
• Theresa A. Newman

Course Credits

• 2-4 credits (variable)

Pre/Co-requisites

• Wrongful Convictions Clinic or permission of the instructor

Additional Information

Please note that this information is for planning purposes only, and should not be relied upon for the schedule for a given semester. Faculty leaves and sabbaticals, as well as other curriculum considerations, will sometimes affect when a course may be offered.