About Innocence Project London
The Innocence Project London (IPL) investigates alleged wrongful convictions of people who have always maintained their innocence but have already exhausted the appeals process.
University of Greenwich students work in small groups to analyse the evidence that led to a conviction, develop legal theories that could reopen the case, and search for factual evidence of innocence.
IPL was established in 2010 and was the first Innocence Project based in the UK. In January 2016, IPL became a member of the Innocence Network, which is based in the United States of America.
As a member of the wider Innocence Project organisation, students with IPL are part of a global organisation seeking to promote justice across the world.
Where your donation will make a difference
We are fundraising to maintain a vital service for the criminal justice system, and the next generation of law professionals. We urgently need funds to provide vital administrative support to the Project and to meet some of the hidden costs associated with serving and meeting our clients, from train tickets to visit clients in prison, or paying for the cost of transporting case files.
Innocence Project London
We are asking the University of Greenwich community of alumni and friends to come together during this dedicated weekend of fundraising in support of the Innocence Project London (IPL).
The IPL was established in 2010. Based at the university, the IPL works to raise awareness of wrongful convictions and improve the criminal justice system
Law and criminology students work in small groups alongside a practising lawyer, to review and investigate cases of convicted individuals who have maintained their innocence but have exhausted the criminal appeals process.
As a pro-bono organisation, the IPL fills a funding gap in the criminal justice system in England and Wales (five lawyers working pro bono with students provided a service that would otherwise have been billed collectively for approximately £52,897).
The cost of supporting existing clients and reaching new ones, however, mounts up, including the hidden costs, such as train tickets to visit clients in prison, or paying for the cost of transporting case files. We also hope to raise enough money to provide some additional capacity to a project that relies on people giving up their time so that innocent people might get their freedom back.
Why we need to raise funds
The collaboration between students, lawyers and academics is an investment for the future.
Why we need to raise funds
The collaboration between students, lawyers and academics is an investment for the future. By operating pro bono, the IPL fills a funding gap in the criminal justice system.
The project also provides Greenwich Law students with one of the most valuable experiences they might have at university, an opportunity to work with experienced and established lawyers to investigate cases of wrongful conviction.
The University provides IPL with a base, and also funds the academic components of the project, but the investigative work would not be possible without supporters, including the time of Director, Dr Louise Hewitt who juggles the operational management of the IPL alongside her teaching and research.
This is not sustainable and without support, the IPL will not be able to maintain its current client base or grow to reach more innocent people in our prisons.