LAWS C505 - Post Conviction DNA

Institution:

Duquesne University

Subject:

LAWS - Law School

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 importance 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.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.duq.edu

Phone Number:

(412) 396-6000

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.