Innocence Network Conference a success at UMKC Law

UMKC Law Dean Ellen Suni

The University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law recently hosted more than 400 people at its Innocence Network Conference.

In attendance to celebrate were more than 100 exonerees.  Attendees from around the world were present, with more than 60 organizations represented.

This annual event focuses on past successes and the future of working to exonerate the innocent.

Barry Scheck, co-founder of the national Innocence Project, headlined the event.  Prof. Sean O’Brien, UMKC law professor and member of the Midwest Innocence Project, also addressed attendees.

The innocence Project was founded in 1992.  Since then, the organization boasts more than 250 exonerations through DNA testing.  The Midwest Innocence Project achieved two exonerations within the last year.

According to UMKC Law: “The conference provides the opportunity for those doing this difficult but important work to come together and share ideas, increase knowledge and become reinvigorated by meeting with colleagues and exonerees and hearing their stories,” Dean Ellen Suni said.

“Anyone listening to these innocent men and women, who lost significant parts of their lives in prison because of failings in our criminal justice system, can’t help but come away more invested in doing the work it takes to get those wrongfully convicted who are still incarcerated free.”

Following welcome remarks, the exonerees were introduced one-by-one in an emotional presentation. The conference continued through the weekend with breakout sessions at the law school addressing topics ranging from the latest DNA testing research to the role of forgiveness after exoneration. Receptions allowed for attendees to talk with people who understand their plight. The conference concluded Saturday night with a concert made up of exoneree band members.

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From The University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Law: Law school hosts Innocence Network Conference