Tucson Standard

The University of Arizona Innocence Project has received a $1.5 million grant from the Department of Justice to enhance its efforts in investigating wrongful convictions, particularly through DNA evidence analysis. The funding aims to support criminal justice reform in Arizona, which has seen only three documented DNA exonerations since 1989.

"This grant means we can push forward, looking deeply into cases where DNA has the potential to prove innocence and pursuing relief for those who have been wrongfully convicted," said Vanessa Buch, director of the U of A Innocence Project.

The grant is from the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Office of Justice Programs and is notably the largest ever received by the project, tripling its previous highest award. The project faces an increasing number of claims awaiting review, presenting a significant challenge without additional resources.

"DNA testing is incredibly costly, and without these resources, a clinic like ours couldn't tackle cases that might require multiple rounds of testing or new, more advanced methods," said Virginia Morris, assistant director of the U of A Innocence Project. She highlighted that accessing older case files can be time-consuming and expensive.

The funding will also allow for increased participation by law students in investigative work. Students gain practical experience by reviewing case files and conducting fieldwork under supervision. "When they take on an intake case, they're part of the process from the beginning," Buch explained.

Morris emphasized that students' involvement offers them a unique perspective on the criminal justice system as they engage with complex cases involving long-term prisoners. This interaction can be transformative both professionally and personally.

Additionally, this grant will enable collaboration with Pima County Attorney's Office's Conviction and Sentence Integrity Unit to jointly re-investigate cases. This partnership aligns prosecutors' and defense advocates' efforts toward achieving justice.

"This award isn't just about one proposal," Morris noted. "It's a testament to what Vanessa has built at the College of Law."

Looking ahead, Buch expressed hope that focusing on DNA cases would uncover systemic errors within Arizona's criminal justice system: "Our hope is that by focusing on DNA cases, we'll learn more about errors in the system and start to break down barriers to exoneration in Arizona."