The Post-Conviction Justice Project is a year-long, hands-on clinical program where second- and third year students provide legal representation to individuals serving indeterminate life sentences for first- or second-degree murder, often for crimes committed as a youth. Most of the cases involve preparing and representing clients at parole hearings at which, to be released, clients must demonstrate that they no longer pose a danger to society. The Project also handles cases seeking clemency from the California Governor; cases seeking resentencing or other relief for youth who were tried as adults and sentenced to extreme sentences; and cases involving individuals who were convicted of first-degree felony murder even though they did not kill or intend to kill. Working with an attorney supervisor, students take a lead role in all aspects of the representation.
