{"id":33768,"date":"2026-02-10T14:36:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T19:36:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/law\/?page_id=33768"},"modified":"2026-02-12T13:58:01","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T18:58:01","slug":"youth-for-innocence","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/law\/youth-for-innocence\/","title":{"rendered":"Youth for Innocence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Youth for Innocence: Application\n <\/h1>\n \n \n <\/header>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Are you interested in wrongful convictions, criminal justice reform, and real-world investigative work?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Department of Law and Legal Studies is launching a student chapter of Youth for Innocence (YFI) and are seeking motivated undergraduate and graduate students to join this new, student-led initiative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Youth for Innocence is an international organization that engages young people in uncovering wrongful convictions, promoting criminal justice reform, and advancing public education. Establishing a YFI chapter within our department will give you the opportunity to work on meaningful justice issues beyond the classroom while contributing to a broader global movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The YFI chapter will:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  • Provide a student-led platform for learning, advocacy, and awareness around wrongful convictions<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Strengthen our commitment to social justice, experiential learning, and community engagement<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Offer hands-on, applied learning opportunities for students interested in law, criminology, public policy, and human rights<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    What Will Volunteers Do?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Students involved in YFI may gain experience with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    • Reviewing real case materials, including court transcripts and legal documents<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Learning how witnesses are questioned and how testimony is constructed<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Conducting background research and identifying inconsistencies or gaps in evidence<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Assisting with public record requests<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Reaching out to witnesses, experts, and advocacy organizations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Developing investigative strategies and determining next steps in ongoing cases<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Participating in public education and awareness initiatives<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Organizing fundraising initiatives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      What You\u2019ll Gain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      This volunteer opportunity emphasizes skill-building and independence, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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      • Practical experience working with real-world justice materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Strong research, critical analysis, and communication skills<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Leadership experience in a student-run organization<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Networking opportunities with legal professionals, advocates, and academics<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • The chance to make a meaningful contribution to wrongful conviction advocacy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Time Commitment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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        • Bi-weekly evening meetings <\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Approximately 20 hours per week total across the entire membership, with individual time commitments varying based on role and availability<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Flexibility built in to accommodate academic schedules, particularly during exam periods<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Eligibility Criteria<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Applicants must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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          • Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Have an interest in criminal justice, law, criminology, sociology, or human rights<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Be willing to engage thoughtfully and ethically with sensitive case materials<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Demonstrate reliability, professionalism, and respect for confidentiality<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Be comfortable working both independently and collaboratively<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Possess strong writing, organizational, and communication skills<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Assets (but not required):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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            • Experience with research, legal studies, or qualitative analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Interest in leadership, advocacy, or public education initiatives<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              No prior legal experience is required. Training and mentorship will be provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              You can apply for this initiative using the application form below. <\/p>\n\n\n