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Wrongful Convictions

Wrongful Convictions - Professor Janis Puracal

Course Number: LAW-467
Course Type: Highly Specialized
Credits: 2
Enrollment Limit: Determined by the Registrar
Description: This seminar course will focus on the wrongful conviction and incarceration of the factually innocent in the American criminal justice system. We will examine how and why wrongful convictions occur, the leading sources of error (e.g., eyewitness misidentifications, faulty and/or misleading forensic evidence, government misconduct, ineffective assistance of counsel, etc.), and what can be done to minimize and/or prevent future errors. The goal of this course is to describe, explain, and analyze the causes and consequences of, as well as solutions for, wrongful convictions. All views are welcome and respectful disagreement is encouraged. Preparation, attendance, and participation are important for a successful semester.
Prerequisite: none
Evaluation Method: Class participation: 20%, Written paper: 50%, Student presentation 30%
Capstone: no
WIE: no

The American Bar Association accreditation standards require students to regularly attend the courses in which they are registered. Lewis & Clark expects students to attend classes regularly and to prepare for classes conscientiously. Specific attendance requirements may vary from course to course. Any attendance guidelines for a given class must be provided to students in a syllabus or other written document at the start of the semester. Sanctions (e.g., required withdrawal from the course, grade adjustment, and/or a failing grade) will be imposed for poor attendance.