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INNOCENCE PROJECT
Week 3 Innocence Project
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INNOCENCE PROJECT
Innocence Project
The Innocence Project is a non-profit legal organization that is committed to exonerating
wrongly convicted people. As noted by the video by THNKR (2012), it uses DNA testing in an
attempt to uncover wrongful convictions and reform the criminal justice system to prevent future
injustice. If I were part of the organization, a situation when faced with limited resources that
allow assistance for only one falsely accused person may present a challenging task. In such a
scenario, I would carefully weigh several factors to ensure that the chosen case has the highest
potential for a successful outcome, both in terms of justice served and the broader impact on
legal precedents.
The first criterion is the strength of evidence which confirms that one did not commit a
crime. A case with solid evidence, like conclusive DNA test results that prove the innocence of
an accused beyond a reasonable doubt, would likely take precedence. The Innocence Project,
famous for harnessing DNA evidence to reverse wrongful convictions, has had a role in cases
such as the case of Steven Avery. As noted by Grussing (2017), the organization played a crucial
role in highlighting the flaws in Avery's conviction, ultimately leading to renewed scrutiny of the
case.
Another significant criterion is the severity of the sentence and the possible long-term
effects of it. Although every wrongful conviction is a travesty of justice, cases with severe
penalties, such as life imprisonment, may be given precedence over others on account of the
critical nature of the situation and the irreparable consequences for the defendant. An example is
the case of Kalvin Michael Smith, whom the Innocence Project helped. A man named Smith was
wrongfully accused of committing a brutal assault in North Carolina and spent more than 20
years behind bars (Park, 2023). The severity and length of his sentence underscored the urgency
of rectifying the miscarriage of justice.
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INNOCENCE PROJECT
In addition, systemic cases may be a priority for the Innocence Project. If a specific case
reveals flaws or misconduct within the criminal justice system, addressing it could lead to
broader reforms. The organization has had a history of cases that illuminated problems such as
eyewitness misidentification, unreliable forensic evidence, and prosecutorial wrongdoing
(THNKR, 2012). The external impact is greater when the case selected not only vindicates an
individual but also reveals problems within the system, which can contribute to betterment in
legal procedures at large.
Conclusively, if tasked with choosing one falsely accused person to assist within the
limitations of available resources, I would likely prioritize cases with strong evidence, severe
sentences, and systemic implications. Involvement of the organization in cases such as those
involving Kalvin Michael Smith and Steven Avery demonstrates the significance of
contemplating these criteria in order to maximize the impact of limited resources and advance
the cause of a more equitable legal system.
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Reference
Grussing, A. (2017). Steven Avery, A Case Study: Making a Murderer or Making an Identity.
Park, A. (2023). Kalvin Michael Smith, a client of the Wrongful Convictions Clinic, dies at 52.
Duke University School of Law. [Link]
wrongful-convictions-clinic-dies-52#:~:text=Kalvin%20Michael%20Smith%2C%20a
%20client%20of%20Duke%20Law%20School's%20Wrongful,He%20was%2052.
THNKR. (2012, August 13). Fighting Wrongful Conviction: The Innocence Project [Video].
YouTube. [Link]
