Kentucky Innocence Project

Ky Innocence Project

Faculty Supervisors:
Professor Michael Mannheimer
Mannheimem1@nku.edu
Professor Mark Stavsky
Stavsky@nku.edu

Download the KIP Application

Program Description:
This clinical program is a partnership between NKU Chase College of Law and the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy.. Students will actively participate in the criminal justice system and perform the functions of an Assistant Public Advocate by investigating cases of inmates claiming to be innocent of the crime(s) of which they have been convicted. Students will perform many of the duties related to post-conviction client representation by carefully investigating claims and legal arguments. Students will engage in extensive fact investigation, interviewing clients and witnesses, visiting and examining crime scenes, and retrieving, preserving and analyzing evidence. In addition, students will prepare legal documents related to innocence claims. Students will further develop competency in investigative and advocacy skills as well as the substantive knowledge required to serve as effective and ethical attorneys through a combination of experiential learning and classroom instruction.

Placement Locations:

  • Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy
Ky Innocence Project

Program Requirements:

  • 100 hours each semester;
  • Bi-weekly classroom component and case review sessions;
  • Full year commitment;
  • Detailed monthly report and timesheets;

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Approval of Kentucky Innocence Project Supervisors

Application Requirements:

  • Submit a completed Application for Clinics and Externships to the Director of Clinical Programs by the appropriate deadline (deadlines are printed in each application);
  • Submit a completed application for the Kentucky Innocence Project
  • All applicants will be interviewed by member of the Department of Public Advocacy