What to include in the case report
Please include the following section headings and sections in your report. You can also paste interesting photos (if any) in the document.
Introduction
Begin with an introduction paragraph in which you introduce the person who was exonerated, the crime they were convicted of and when, how long they spent incarcerated, when they were released from prison, and when they were exonerated. This first paragraph should be a brief introduction to the story of the exoneree, the crime, and how they came to be exonerated. More details will be provided in subsequent sections of the report.
Facts and circumstances of the case
In as much detail as possible, describe the facts and circumstances of the crime (include details such as the date the crime occurred, the nature of the crime and any known details, the victim(s), and any other information you can locate related to the crime itself.
Trial(s) and appeals of the conviction
Discuss the trial(s) that took place and the key evidence that resulted in conviction (for example, forensic evidence, witness testimony, jailhouse snitches/informants, physical evidence, etc.). If there were multiple trials (for example, if the first trial resulted in a hung jury, then there may have been another trial), discuss the details of those trials. In addition, include detailed information about the appeals and the process by which the person was ultimately exonerated.
Exoneration information
Provide information about when the person was exonerated and the process that was necessary to achieve the exoneration. For example, you might include information about the lawyers and/or any innocence organization that helped secure the release. You might also include information about the evidence that was presented in support of the exoneration (for example, DNA analysis, the true perpetrator confessed, etc.).
Contributors to the occurrence of the wrongful conviction
In this section you should include specific information about the factors that contributed to the wrongful conviction. These factors might include: mistaken eyewitness identification, faulty forensic evidence and/or forensic testimony, police/prosecutorial misconduct, perjury (lying by witnesses and/or others), inadequate defense counsel, among others.
Compensation and Reentry
In this section, discuss any pending litigation involving the person who has been exonerated. For example, if they are seeking compensation from the city, state, or federal government as a result of their wrongful conviction and imprisonment. Include any details you can find about the lawsuit. In some circumstances, the person may have already sought compensation. If so, discuss the case and whether the exonerated person was awarded any compensation. If you are able to find information that discusses how the exoneree is doing after release from incarceration (known as reentry), you should also include a discussion of challenges and/or successes they have had since being released.
Conclusion
Include a conclusion section. This section might include your own thoughts and reflections on wrongful conviction cases generally, and the case you selected specifically. You could also include any ideas or suggestions you have about how the factors that contributed to the wrongful conviction might be addressed to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Sources
Include a reference list of all sources you used for your case report. Use the following format for your sources: Author’s name, date, title of the source, and a link to the website.
Last Completed Projects
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