This summer, I worked at the Oregon Innocence Project (OIP) as a legal intern. OIP is one of the Oregon Justice Resource Center’s core programs. The Oregon Justice Resource Center is aimed at dismantling mass incarceration in Oregon. OIP is specifically focused on exonerating those who are wrongfully convicted and advocating for legal reforms to prevent wrongful convictions moving forward.
One of my main tasks at OIP this summer was reviewing inquiries from individuals who are claiming innocence. To exonerate the wrongfully convicted, OIP searches for a path to factual innocence. An investigation into an inquirer’s case usually includes looking at any documents sent to the project and reviewing their court record and trial file, including documents such as appellate briefs, post-conviction relief and federal habeas petitions, trial transcripts and discovery. Additionally, at OIP I have had the pleasure of speaking with our inquirers, other attorneys in the Oregon law community and have researched legal issues that contribute to wrongful incarceration in Oregon. The investigation of an inquiry is a unique experience, as it requires the post-mortem of a criminal case, starting from the trial level all the way through post-conviction relief proceedings. Viewing the criminal justice system under this lens has allowed me to gain incredible insight and knowledge into every stage of a criminal proceeding and allowed me to personally view real issues in our criminal justice system.
It became apparent to me in my criminology program in undergraduate school as well as my time at Lewis and Clark that segments of our criminal justice system are seriously flawed. My passion to make change is one of the many reasons I decided to attend law school. Being a part of an organization that is advocating and dedicated to criminal justice reform has been an amazing learning experience. The knowledge I have gained from OIP will continue to influence my future career as a lawyer moving forward and has deepened my desire to make a positive impact on our community. Without receiving my stipend from PILP, I could not have afforded to accept my position with OIP. I am sincerely grateful for every donation that made this rewarding experience possible!
