Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative
Black and white image of justice scales with a statute holding the scales behind bars.
The Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative was established at the University of Newcastle in 2019, and is now housed within the Law School. It aims to investigate claims of wrongful conviction and campaign for the reform of issues that lead to these injustices. It also looks at cold case reviews, as well as missing persons investigations.
The Initiative provides an opportunity for criminology and law students, as well as those from allied disciplines such as psychology, to work on public interest cases in a work integrated learning context; dealing with real evidence including police statements, court transcripts, and post-mortem reports. The Initiative also provides students with deep learning opportunities to work with authorities, experts, and where appropriate speak with those directly impacted by the event.
Led by Associate Professor Xanthé Mallett and supported by colleagues Peter Gogarty, Tori Berezowski, Alice Zhang and Shaun McCarthy, the Innocence Project has already taken on reviewing serious criminal matters where there may have been a miscarriage of justice and the review of cold case murders.
Join us for a panel discussion about the Innocence Initiative and find out how the Initiative came about, the work which is being done at the Initiative, and the importance of expert evidence in these cases. There will be opportunities to ask staff about the Initiative and how students can get involved in its work.
This is an in-person event.
Register for FREE
Event Information
- Date: This event was held on Monday 29 August 2022
- Location: Level 3, Room X-320, Nu Space, 409 Hunter Street Newcastle, 2300
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.