This program will introduce participants to the Kentucky Innocence Project. KIP takes cases of factual innocence in Kentucky by developing evidence to support returning clients to court to litigate their wrongful conviction claims. Cases are often based on newly discovered evidence such as faulty forensic science and/or government misconduct. KIP is housed within the Department of Public Advocacy works on policy issues and maintains externships and law clinics at all three Kentucky law schools. KIP is part of the National Innocence Network and KIP provides exoneree support through its non-profit work. This program will introduce participants to wrongful conviction work and how cases and issues are developed through the KIP program.
This seminar will cover:
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Identify the causes and rates of wrongful convictions.
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Define what types of cases and claims are litigated by KIP
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Challenges to forensic reports based on emerging science
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Obtaining government records through the Kentucky Open Records Act
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Discuss current policy work and plans for future reform actions
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Discover what services and support the non-profit arm provides
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Identify further resources for more information in specific areas.
Speaker: Suzanne Hopf, Kentucky Innocence Project, Directing Attorney
Suzanne Hopf has been a staff attorney for the Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) since 1998. She is currently the Directing Attorney for the Kentucky Innocence Project (KIP) where she focuses on wrongful conviction cases. Suzanne also teaches the KIP externship at all three Kentucky law schools. She is active in criminal justice reform efforts and works with local and national organizations as well as the Kentucky legislature to advance best practices in the criminal justice system.
Cancellation Policy: All cancellations must be received by the LBA 24 hours in advance to receive a credit or refund. Substitutes will be allowed. This is a LIVE program and only accredited for a live program. Any post-event recordings/replays will be subject to the On-Demand fee(s). User-error technology issues do not qualify for a refund.
A reservation is required in advance of the program. Registrants will receive a confirmation e-mail the day before the event which will contain a link to join the meeting via Zoom attachments of the handout material and CLE activity code and instructions on how to file with the Ky Bar Association (PDF files).
