Defense Lawyer Tunnel Vision: The Oft-Ignored Role Defense Counsel Plays in Wrongful Convictions

Sperling, Carrie

Abstract

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Defense Lawyer Tunnel Vision: The Oft-Ignored Role Defense Counsel Plays in Wrongful Convictions

Carrie Sperling

Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law

The Defender, Nos. 18-19, Fall 2010

Abstract:
This article discusses the sometimes forgotten role that defense lawyers play in wrongful convictions. Often, strong cases of actual innocence are thwarted by defense lawyers' failure to preserve a defendant's procedural avenues for relief. The article reminds lawyers that procedural errors have long-lasting consequences for the innocent who have been wrongly convicted.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 39

Keywords: innocence, criminal procedure, post-conviction, ineffective assistance of counsel

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Date posted: August 24, 2011

Suggested Citation

Sperling, Carrie, Defense Lawyer Tunnel Vision: The Oft-Ignored Role Defense Counsel Plays in Wrongful Convictions. The Defender, Nos. 18-19, Fall 2010. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1802654

Contact Information

Carrie Sperling (Contact Author)

Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law ( email )

Box 877906
Tempe, AZ 85287-7906
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.law.asu.edu