Cooley Innocence Project Celebrated 25th Anniversary
The Lansing organization marked a quarter-century of post-conviction legal work and exonerations.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Live Poll
Do you trust the current criminal justice system to reliably identify and protect the innocent?
The Cooley Innocence Project recently celebrated its 25th anniversary at Grewal Hall in Lansing. Since its founding in 2001, the organization has exonerated 10 individuals through its post-conviction DNA testing efforts.
Why it matters
The project serves as Michigan's only post-conviction DNA innocence organization. By providing students with practical experience in the exoneration process, it bridges the gap between legal education and real-world justice reform.
The Cooley Innocence Project has successfully exonerated 10 individuals over the course of its 25 years of operation. The organization continues to function as the state's sole entity dedicated to post-conviction DNA innocence work.
The players
Cooley Innocence Project
This is an organization based in Lansing that operates Michigan's only post-conviction DNA innocence program.
Dan Slepian
He is an investigative journalist who spoke at the anniversary event about his perspective on the criminal justice system.
The details
Students at the law school participate in the project as part of their practical legal training, assisting in the investigation of cases where DNA evidence may prove innocence. During the anniversary celebration at Grewal Hall, Dan Slepian provided remarks regarding the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Timeline
The project was established on September 19, 2001.
The 25th anniversary celebration was held in Lansing on September 19, 2026.
Legal Context
The Cooley Innocence Project follows a pattern set by the Innocence Project national network to provide specialized legal resources for wrongful conviction claims. These local initiatives have become essential for addressing systemic failures that standard public defense systems often miss.
The project's longevity ensures that Michigan residents have a dedicated resource for examining cases involving potential wrongful conviction through DNA evidence. Residents interested in the legal process can engage with the law school's public events to better understand the local justice landscape.
The takeaway
The Cooley Innocence Project demonstrates the critical impact of focused, academic-led legal research on the pursuit of justice. Future efforts will continue to rely on the integration of student casework and scientific DNA verification to address potential wrongful convictions.
Further reading
For more information on legal reform and similar initiatives, visit the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wilx.
Live Poll
Do you trust the current criminal justice system to reliably identify and protect the innocent?
