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The Lancaster University Innocence Project
The Lancaster University Innocence Project began when 3 law students approached the Law School in 2007. The students had heard about a national initiative (INUK) and wanted, with the help of the Law School, to get involved. In October 2007, 20 students were recruited from the Law School and attended an intensive training weekend prior to starting case work; the cases being provided from a national database. The Project initially received funding from Lancaster Alumni via the Friends Funding Scheme, which enabled us to attend the national training weekend and to buy a computer and printer to assist with case work. This funding also allowed us to hold the Innocence Project launch in September 2008 - a well attended event, reported in the Lancaster Guardian, with speakers such as Gerry Conlon of the Guildford Four and Paddy Hill of the Birmingham Six, who provided compelling personal insights into the devastating impact of miscarriages of justice on the individuals involved.
What is an Innocence Project?
An Innocence Project (IP) is a student led project focusing on the study of wrongful criminal convictions, with a view to referral back to the Court of Appeal via the CCRC. The idea started in Cardozo Law School in the US and has spread to Canada, Australia and the UK. Students are involved in investigating real criminal cases. They are supervised by academics and work in conjunction with practicing lawyers. Assistance is provided pro bono to prisoners who maintain their innocence and have exhausted their appeal rights.
What do students get out of it?
Student education or training is an important part of the Project and involvement provides the opportunity for students to gain experience in areas such as critical thinking and analysis, case management, fact finding and other skills such as collaboration, teamwork and presentation (oral and written). These skills are now in demand amongst students and increase employability as well as enhancing/building upon skills learnt on other courses.
In common with other UK Projects, the Lancaster University Innocence Project has stimulated team working, encouraged students to ‘think outside the box’, required student liaison with legal professionals, insisted the students deal with one another in a professional manner, demanded problem solving, creativity and strategic thinking, unearthed untapped reserves of motivation, altruism and initiative, developed communication skills and persuaded the students that they can have influence, power and passion!
What students say about the Project
"The innocence project has given me a real sense of personal satisfaction and allowed me to grow as a person. It is great to be able to apply the skills I have learnt throughout my degree to such a worthwhile cause. I studied law so that I could help people and the project has allowed me to do this while I am still at university" Meghan (3rd Year)
"The Project has highlighted the realities of criminal law in practice, providing an awareness of the skills required such as shared teamwork, learning accurate letter-writing, managing documents and client care protocol." Carlos (2nd Year)
"Through joining the Innocence Project I have been able to experience something many other law students around the country do not get to experience, that is applying your skills to real life cases!" Liam (1st Year)
"Being involved in the Innocence Project has given me invaluable experience of working on a real case. It has also given me a real insight into how the Criminal Justice System works in practice. Being a member of the Innocence Project involves lots of team work and is a great opportunity to meet new people who are also interested in righting potential miscarriages of justice." Siobhan (3rd Year)
''I have found the Innocence Project to be very useful in gaining an insight into the Criminal Appeal system and realizing the consequences that mistakes in our system will make on individual citizens. I think the system would benefit from more people getting involved in projects such as this.'' Dan (3rd Year)
"Lancaster University Innocence Project is a fantastic opportunity to apply legal principles to a real situation, develop your analytical skills and socialize with others who are like-minded." Danny (1st year)
What are we working on at the moment?
Since its inception, the Project has gone from strength to strength. We are currently working on five cases. We have also forged links with barristers from Garden Court North Chambers in Manchester, who have provided invaluable support to us in the casework and as guest speakers. We have recently seen one of our cases appealed to the Court of Appeal. Unfortunately, the appeal was unsuccessful but leave has been sought to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Contact us
If you would like any further information on the Lancaster University Innocence Project, please email the staff supervisor, Georgina Firth or phone on 01524 594756.
Thanks to all the students, past and present, who have worked so hard to make the Project a success from the beginning and to Richard, Kim and Kayleigh who started the ball rolling at Lancaster.
Lancaster University Innocence Project is a member of the Innocence Network UK
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