We work to investigate, identify and correct wrongful conviction
Our research group undertakes interdisciplinary projects to understand and reduce the prevalence of wrongful conviction in our criminal justice system. We’re also engaged in changing the system with our findings. By leveraging our reputation, we've created partnerships to target problems with evidence-based resolutions.
Current Project
Digitising the Griffith Innocence Project
With over 20 years of hard-copy case file documents, we are switching to a paperless project. The transition of legacy documents to a digital format, is a process many our overseas peers are engaged in and have benefited from.
Our documentation houses a wealth of knowledge about claims of wrongful conviction in this country and about those who make such claims. It also includes the circumstances in which they claim to have been wrongly convicted.
However, a paperless system requires significant work, and we have students volunteering to assist with the scanning process. We have implemented protocols to ensure accuracy and confidentiality when handling the records.
Guided by Dr Blewer’s experience and Griffith University’s resources, this is an important next step for our Innocence Project.
Engagement with International Innocence Network
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Asking for help
We are currently accepting requests to review applications from people who claim to have been wrongfully convicted.
Past projects, conferences, presentations and workshops
Our impact
Second Appeal
Griffith’s Innocence Project has a working relationship with the Office of the Attorney-General of Queensland. The Director can meet, discuss and make submissions regarding the implementation of a second or subsequent appeal avenue for wrongful conviction claimants.
Each year, a written submission is presented on this issue. Recently, the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Shannon Fentiman MP, recognised our latest submission as providing significant assistance to consider these reforms.
Preservation of Evidence
We are actively involved in reforming the law on the preservation of evidence post-conviction. Research in the United States shows that in cases where evidence is kept and made available for re-testing about 40 per cent of applications are found innocent. However, in about 75 per cent of cases, no evidence is available to be re-tested. In Queensland, there are no laws requiring the Queensland Police Service or other law enforcement agencies to preserve evidence.
DNA testing
In 2022, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced an independent Commission of Inquiry into Forensic DNA Testing in Queensland. Griffith’s Innocence Project made the following submission when the Commission commenced in June of that year.
Our submission focused on three areas:
- concerns over DNA collection, testing and analysis in Queensland
- raising those concerns with government agencies
- suggestions for improving the collection, testing and analysis of forensic DNA testing in Queensland.
High school workshop
We are routinely invited to hold workshops for Legal Studies students. Our focus in these sessions is to raise awareness for wrongful convictions, explain social justice and promote the value of higher education.
Innocence Network Annual Conference
Griffith’s Innocence Project Director regularly participates in this important gathering—which marked its 20th anniversary in 2023—of exonerated people and families, post-release support people, as well as advocates working to free the innocent and prevent wrongful conviction.
Enquiries
Innocence Project Legal Clinic
General telephone enquiries
General email enquiries
Postal address
Griffith University Innocence Project
Griffith Law School Gold Coast campus
Griffith University QLD 4222
Fraud alert
We have heard that there are people fraudulently representing themselves as working for Griffith's Innocence Project, promising legal representation in exchange for money. These people do not work for us.