The Criminal Justice Project (CJP), under the direction of Professor David Siegel works on litigation, legislation, education, and policy reform to improve the accuracy and fairness of the criminal justice system. Students with an interest in the criminal process and public interest work in this field would benefit greatly from getting involved in this project and the Center for Law and Social Responsibility. The work can range from presenting findings to the Case Review Committee of the New England Innocence Project, legislative reform work, sealing of criminal records, and assisting Professor Siegel on pro bono criminal cases.
A recent development involving work by the CJP involves post-conviction access reform. A decade ago, the CJP began working to ensure Massachusetts provides post-conviction access to scientific and forensic analysis for criminal defendants who claim they were wrongfully convicted. On May 17, 2012 Mass. Gen. Laws Chapter 278A, enacted as St. 2012, c. 38, goes into effect. The new law provides a process for convicted defendants to seek this analysis – and a right to obtain it.
In the posts to follow you will read about two student experiences on the New England Innocence Project and CJP’s new program involving Criminal Offense Record Information (CORI) work. These are just a small example of the experiences students have when working with the CJP and for more information on how to get involved and stay informed, please e-mail CLSR Fellow Sarah Herbert at sarah.m.herbert@nesl.edu .