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What to Expect
Students will investigate cases where the convicted person is claiming actual innocence and litigate where evidence of innocence is discovered. Students will also work on policy projects to prevent wrongful convictions and strengthen opportunities for those who have been wrongfully convicted to have their cases reviewed, as well as educate the community about wrongful convictions, both nationally and in Nebraska.
Working in this clinic will involve exposure to certain charges/materials/cases. Cases that the NIC has taken on in the past have involved serious and sometimes violent felony charges, including homicide, sexual assault, assault, child abuse, and weapon-related offenses. Students should be aware that case files may include graphic or emotionally challenging material.
How to Enroll:
Current Nebraska Law students interested in being part of the Nebraska Innocence Clinic can enroll in the clinic during the acedemic year or during the summer.
Academic Year Expectations
Enrolling during the acedemic year requires 2 semesters, either your 2L Spring & 3L Fall, or your 3L Fall & Spring semesters. We cannot accommodate one semester enrollment during the year.
The Clinic is 6 credits each semester during the academic year, totalling 12 credits.
Based on ABA requirements, that equates to a little over 18 hours each week dedicated to the clinic. 9 of those will be assigned office hours during the week, and a little under 3 hours weekly are dedicated to seminar time.
Prospective students can apply in the spring of the preceding year to enroll in the clinic for either semester the following year.
Required Courses
2Ls:
- Co-requisites: Evidence and Legal Profession
3Ls:
- Prerequisite: Legal Profession
- Co-requisite: Evidence
Questions about NIC can be directed to Professor Elizabeth Cole.