Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
ASU Law Post Conviction Clinic
ASU Law Post Conviction Clinic
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Since its inception in 2009, the Post Conviction Clinic has investigated claims of wrongful conviction and manifest injustice from prisoners convicted of crimes in Arizona. Post-conviction work is a specialized practice area that delves into both fundamental and nuanced aspects of criminal law and criminal procedure – one that is becoming increasingly vital as over 400 prisoners nationwide have been exonerated either in full or in part by DNA testing, and over 1,500 people have been exonerated by other means. Arizona is home to more than 40,000 prisoners and more than 5,000 on community supervision. Arizona incarcerates more people per capita than any other state in the west and ranks sixth in the country.
As a member of the ASU Post-Conviction Clinic, I recently had the opportunity to argue in front of the Board of Executive Clemency. Our client was a victim of domestic violence who had been defending herself against a violent partner but was sentenced to nearly a decade in prison. We were able to convince the board to commute her sentence, and she will be released at the end of the month! Being a part of, and being present at, such a life-changing moment was truly an incredible and unique experience, and I’ll never forget the tears of joy our client shed when she learned she was being released."
Impact of donor support
- Over 200 students have participated in the post-conviction investigation and litigation of criminal cases since the Clinic’s inception.
- Students produce written work focused on reviewing and analyzing the history of the conviction and the potential reasons for any wrongful conviction, including the role DNA or other newly discovered evidence could play in exonerating the inmate.
- Clinic students have gone on to argue cases in front of the Superior Court and Arizona Court of Appeals
- 15+ students aid 20-30 clients annually in navigating the post-conviction process.
The reward in giving to ASU comes back time and time again. And it’s so great to be able to see what they do. They want to bless the lives of other people and improve the lives of other people."