EAST LANSING, Mich. - Journalists are increasingly asked to apply investigative skills to reporting on instances of possible wrongful conviction. To help them learn how to deal with these challenging cases, the Michigan State University School of Journalism will host a "Workshop on Wrongful Conviction" for working reporters and journalism students.
The all-day session on Saturday, October 7, 2000 is co-sponsored by the Michigan Press Association and The State News, MSU's student-run newspaper, with funding from the Anderson family of Maumee, Ohio.
"What makes this conference unique is that we will offer information and advice on how to approach many different kinds of possible wrongful conviction, not just death-penalty murder cases," says J-School Director Steve Lacy. "Journalists have almost become a court of last resort, and they need to know how best to pursue worthwhile cases."
Sessions will provide participants information, tips and techniques that will allow them to assess potential cases; evaluate scientific, technical and legal evidence; and persuade their news organizations to invest in these efforts.
Two real-life case studies will be presented. Detroit News Reporter Norman Sinclair will explain how his efforts resulted in freeing two Gaylord men convicted of murder. The second case involves a man who is currently serving life in prison in Michigan for multiple rapes. The case will be presented by Kay Anderson, a former private investigator who is championing his cause. Participants will be provided an overview of the cases, as well as copies of actual documents. An interactive session will ask participants to put themselves into the position of a reporter who is confronted with a plea for help.
Other offerings include a panel on legal issues, including how to use the Freedom of Information Act and what kinds of documents to request. Panelists include: Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings; Tom Howlett, chair of the Michigan State Bar Law and Media Committee; and Frank Reynolds, criminal defense attorney.
Frank Schehr, former director of the Michigan State Police crime lab, and Earl James, retired chief of the Michigan State Police polygraph unit, are featured during a discussion of the relative reliability of different kinds of evidence - DNA, polygraph, hair and fiber evidence and eyewitness testimony.
The conference will be in Room 236 of the Communication Arts and Sciences Building. Cost is $25, including box lunch and participant notebook. (The fee is waived for journalism students.) Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis, so call Linda Hartwig at (517) 353-6430 to make your reservation as soon as possible.