News Archive

October 2, 2019, marks the sixth annual Wrongful Conviction Day—a day founded by the Innocence Network to honor those affected by wrongful conviction, including exonerees, their families and communities. The Wrongful Conviction Clinic at IU McKinney is one of 14 founding members of the Innocence Network, thanks to the vision of the late Dean Emeritus Norman Lefstein.Innocence Network members provide actual representation and pursue reform efforts to address issues in the justice system which contribute to conviction of the innocent.

Reform work. Just last spring, the Indiana General Assembly passed exoneree compensation legislation, with Clinical Professor Fran Watson, '80, the Wrongful Conviction Clinic Director, providing testimony in support. Roosevelt Glenn, an exoneree represented by the McKinney Wrongful Conviction Clinic, also gave testimony before the Senate Committee. The Wrongful Conviction Clinic was able to secure Glenn’s exoneration, continuing to seek relief on his behalf, even after his release from prison. As a voice in the innocence movement, Glenn has written a book and is a successful speaker. The case was featured on an episode of 48 Hours in 2017. His ‘dream team,’ including former students Polly Beeson, '08, Max Wiley, '08, Brenda Foglio, '05, and Deana Martin, '05, celebrated the anniversary of his release at a recent gathering. (see photo at left)

Case Representation. Beginning October 22, 2019, the Wrongful Conviction Clinic will team with The Exoneration Project, Chicago, and the Notre Dame Exoneration Project in the post-conviction representation of Andy Royer. As the South Bend Tribune reported, Andy Royer remains in prison while the case of his co-defendant at trial has been vacated due to faulty fingerprint evidence. Current students in the Wrongful Conviction Clinic are Katie Curry, Gina Eisenhut, Sally Frazer, Cayman Jarrell, Samantha Jordan, Bria Kemp, Nicholas Naum, and Destiny Walker. They will have the opportunity to assist with preparation for and attend the evidentiary proceedings as members of the Wrongful Conviction Clinic law firm.

Lawyers Matter. Many dedicated lawyers deserve recognition for their daily contributions to righting wrongful convictions in Indiana. Just days ago, John Myers was granted a new trial in the Morgan County, Indiana, murder case of Jill Behrman, upon a finding that his trial lawyer was ineffective. Committed lawyers from the Office of the Indiana State Public Defender, IU McKinney alumna Anne Murray Burgess, '93, and IU Maurer alumna Joanna Green, were responsible for the state court record and argument that was ultimately successful before U. S. Judge Sweeney. While ineffective assistance is a major contributor to wrongful conviction, this day the law school celebrates its alumni and current students who fight the fight to right the wrongs.