Law in 10

This year marks the 10^th anniversary of the California Innocence Project, located at California Western School of Law. In that time, thousands of inmates claiming innocence and their families have contacted the project seeking assistance. Innocence Project staff and students spend many more thousands of hours investigating those claims, taking on cases where innocence is clear and provable.

Five wrongfully convicted men have been exonerated by the project over the last 10 years, serving more than 75 years behind bars between them. An additional three men were exonerated by the project just in the last three months, and await release.

Host Pam Hardy speaks with project director Justin Brooks about the history, the success, and the future of the California Innocence Project.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [10:41m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player

Trial jurors are regularly instructed not to research or discuss cases on their own.  But what about a Facebook status update or quick trip to the crime scene via Google Earth? The attorney representing a client in a high-profile case will soon ask jurors to sign an affidavit swearing that they will not use personal electronic and media devices to communicate or research any aspect of the case. The trial involves a radio station sued for negligence by the family of a woman who died after an on-air stunt. The "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" competition required contestants to drink large amounts of water without using the restroom, in the hopes of winning a prize. The woman later died of water intoxication.

This episode of Law in 10 focuses on how the internet is changing jury service and features Mario Conte, a distinguished practitioner at California Western and the former President of San Diego Federal Defenders.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [10:09m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player

Communities across the country, including San Diego, continue to search for ways to assist those without access to housing, medical care, or legal assistance.  Oftentimes these issues go hand in hand, requiring a comprehensive, collaborative approach to providing services.

In Downtown San Diego, California Western School of Law partners with UC San Diego, charitable and social service organizations, law students, and volunteers to provide a unique medical-legal pro bono program housed at First Lutheran Church, just down the street from the law school.

This archive episode of Law in 10 features host Pam Hardy in conversation with Professor Linda Morton, faculty liaison for the Community Law Project.

Listen Now:

 Standard Podcasts [ 10:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player