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Legal Research Guides by Course - Post Conviction DNA Clinic

Course Description:

This year-long Post Conviction DNA Clinic is designed to provide students with an understanding of the core problems in our criminal justice system that underlies the increasing number of wrongful convictions.  Students review case files and prisoner correspondence with the aim of identifying cases that present plausible facts and arguments that call for post conviction DNA testing.  Post Conviction proceedings in the state and federal system are also explored and pursued as are lectures designed to explore the foundations of DNA as an identification science.  This class introduces students to the leading indicia of wrongful convictions and the impact of various behavioral and natural forensic science applications that have led to post conviction exonerations.  Substantive reviews take place regarding the important of the medical and legal death investigation, case law, pertinent studies and articles on the subject of wrongful convictions, and numerous state and federal public policy developments designed to advance the interests of justice as well as the forensic science community. Individual student conferences on case files are regularly held throughout the academic year.  Students are expected to prepare post conviction petitions for relief when necessary.  Space in the clinic is limited.  It is suggested that students submit a one page abstract on why they are choosing this class. (6 credits)

Faculty Who Teach This Course:

Subject Covered Presently in Collection by:

Print Collection:

HV8073   Investigation of Crimes - Forensic Chemistry
KF9011   Habeas Corpus
KF9666.5   Evidence – DNA Fingerprinting
KF9756   Judicial Error – Compensation for Judicial Error (Wrongful Convictions)
RA1057.55   Forensic Genetics - DNA Fingerprinting

Legal Research Databases:

DCLI Webpage Links:

  • Primary Legal Research: Case Law, Statutory Law, Administrative Law (contains quick links to our federal and state statutes, our federal and state administrative codes, and federal and state case law)
  • Legal Research Guides: Criminal Law