"Innocence Project" Co-Founder to Join Wrongfully Convicted Man in Law School Panel Discussion Nov. 18
November 16, 2004
Peter J. Neufeld, co-founder of The Innocence Project and author of "Actual Innocence," and Marvin L. Anderson, a Virginia man who spent 15 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, will discuss wrongful convictions and the work of The Innocence Project Nov. 18 at the University of Richmond School of Law.
Law Dean Rod Smolla will also take part in the program, scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Moot Courtroom.
Neufeld and Barry C. Scheck, professor of law and director of clinical education at Yeshiva University's Benjamin Cardozo School of Law, launched The Innocence Project in 1992 at Cardozo. The project, a nonprofit legal clinic, handles cases where post-conviction DNA testing of evidence can yield conclusive proof of innocence. Similar organizations now exist throughout the United States, comprising an "Innocence Network" of law and journalism schools and public defender offices.
The Innocence Project of the National Capital Region, a nonprofit, independent organization based at American University, works to prevent and correct wrongful convictions in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. It considers cases of actual innocence with and without DNA evidence. It handled exoneration efforts on Anderson’s behalf.
The discussion will highlight recent research and opportunities for Innocence Project work in the state of Virginia for an audience that will include invited law professors and students from across the state. A reception will follow.
The event is free and open to the public, but advance registration is requested by calling (804) 697-1344.