Among the list of “scientific” techniques often put forward as reliable in solving a crime is fiber and hair analysis. According to scientists and experts, however, this process is not one that can conclusively point to a crime's perpetrator, and its use has resulted in previous wrongful convictions.
Read morePro Bono Champions of the Year Celebrate Successes and Talk Hopes for Their Client
At this year’s Benefit for Innocence, the Great North Innocence Project is debuting a new award, the Pro Bono Champion(s) of the Year Award, to recognize an individual pro bono volunteer or a pro bono team that have contributed significant time, expertise, resources, and passion towards investigating and litigating innocence cases in partnership with our organization.
This year, we’re honored to recognize the pro bono team representing GN-IP client Robert Kaiser with this award. Megan Christner, Alex Olson, and Sam Lockner of Carlson Caspers, and Mark Bradford of Bassford Remele PA, have and continue to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring Robert Kaiser’s freedom after nearly 8 years of wrongful incarceration with passionate zeal.
Read moreEnterprising undegrad student joins GN-IP as development & special events intern
St. Thomas University senior Kiley Golberg recently joined GN-IP as our development and special events intern. During her tenure at GN-IP, Kiley is supporting the planning and implementation of the 2022 Benefit for Innocence along with other critical advancement processes to support GN-IP’s mission.
Read moreMeet GN-IP's New Law Clerk: Fionna Ek
During fall 2022, Fiona Ek is joining the Great North Innocence Project as a student law clerk. Fiona will be our office’s intake specialist and screen applications for potential new cases of innocence.
Read moreGN-IP visits Dakota Women's Correctional and Rehabilitation Center
In early August, GN-IP staff attorney Jim Mayer and director of communications & community outreach Hayley Drozdowski-Poxleitner traveled the eight hours to New England from Minneapolis to present about GN-IP’s services to the women at DWCRC. Adam Martin, GN-IP board member and CEO of the F5 Project, a nonprofit based out of Fargo that provides services and mentorship to formerly incarcerated people struggling with addiction recovery, joined Jim and Hayley.
Read more about what it’s like to present about GN-IP's services at a prison and the questions we heard from the audience.
New attorney joins GN-IP legal team
GN-IP is thrilled that Anna McGinn is joining the organization’s legal team as a Bank of America Fellow. A recent graduate of the University of Notre Dame School of Law, Anna will work with GN-IP for two years and increase our capacity to investigate claims of innocence, litigate cases where an innocent person has been wrongful convicted, and conduct advocacy towards criminal legal system reform.
Read moreExoneree Michael Hansen Finds a Renewed Sense of Self in Tattooing
Tattoo artist and owner of Kinship Collective Tattoo in Northfield, Minnesota, Michael Hansen, spoke with GN-IP this month for National Tattoo Day where he gave us a tour of his shop and talked all things tattooing.
Mike spent nearly seven years in prison for a crime he did not commit. After being freed with the help of GN-IP, Mike accomplished a long held dream that seemed impossible after his conviction: becoming a tattoo artist. Now, he's not only achieved that, but he's opened his own shop, has supervised the apprenticeships of four aspiring tattoo artists, and built a dedicated, supportive staff of artists along the way.
Law clerk Alexa Stebbins talks her first investigative trip & legal ethics
Summer law clerks Alexa Stebbins and Madison Wadsworth got their first taste of conducting legal investigations with a road trip to South Dakota this month to interview witnesses in a current GN-IP case. Prepped by GN-IP attorney Andrew Markquart, Alexa and Madison travelled to Hartford (a suburb of Sioux Falls) and Pine Ridge Reservation where they tracked down two people related to the case. We sat down with Alexa to learn more about what it takes to conduct legal investigations, what she learned from her trip, and why she believes innocence work is critical to making her a better attorney and our society a more just one.
Read moreExonerated client Javon Davis reflects on fatherhood after freedom
During this month of Father's Day, GN-IP exonerated client Javon Davis reflected on what he is grateful to be able to do with his kids now that he has been freed.
Read moreGN-IP Celebrates Juneteenth
Last week, GN-IP celebrated Juneteenth alongside community members during the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation-hosted Juneteenth Celebration at Bethune Park in North Minneapolis.
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