California Innocence Project
The mission of the California Innocence Project (CIP) is to free the wrongly convicted from prison, work to reform the criminal justice system, and train law students to become zealous advocates. CIP is known all over the world, and it started right here at California Western in 1999. CIP and its California Western student interns have helped free forty innocent people from prison. As a CWSL student there are many ways for you to be involved and gain real world experience!
The California Innocence Project is on a temporary hiatus
The California Innocence Project is on a temporary hiatus and has suspended the provision of services pending the arrival of our new Director in the Summer of 2024. Please check back for updates about the program and direct any questions in the meantime to JavaScript Required.
The Student Intern Experience
Hear from CIP interns
Brittany
CIP Intern, 2022
“My experience with CIP has opened my eyes to the injustices of the “Justice” system while honing my legal writing, investigative, and interviewing skills. Through the practical experience offered by CIP, I will enter the next phase of my career mindful of, and thereby better prepared to avoid, the issues contributing to wrongful convictions.”
Madison
CIP Intern, 2022
“I chose to participate in the California Innocence Project to continue the fight for criminal justice reform and freeing wrongfully convicted individuals. It is an honor to be a part of a program that gives hope to those whom the criminal justice system failed.”
Tatum
CIP Intern, 2022
“… I value CIP’s mission to not only help those who are wrongfully convicted, but to implement legislative change in hopes of decreasing the amount of innocent people being wrongfully incarcerated.”
Making an impact
Since its inception, CIP has been involved in changing laws and policies in California related to preserving evidence, litigating innocence cases, and compensating exonerees.
Freeing the Innocent
Clients of the California Innocence Project have spent 570 years in prison due to wrongful convictions. While they cannot get those years back, they are now embarking on a future with freedom.
California Innocence Project
Want to know more about the incredible work at CIP, how you can help fund the clinic’s work, or discover how you can join CIP once you are a student at California Western?
San Diego, CA 92101