Dublin barrister to travel to the US to work on innocence project cases 

Padraig Conlon 30 Jul 2024
Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL

Three junior barristers practicing in criminal law have been selected to work on wrongful conviction cases with the Wisconsin Innocence Project and the Innocence Project of Florida in the United States. 

One of the barristers is Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL from Ballymun. 

Gemma, who was called to the Bar of Ireland in 2018, will spend three months in Florida, advocating for the release and/or exoneration of cases presenting meritorious innocence claims based on evidence of innocence and promote necessary criminal justice reform to avoid wrongful incarcerations in the future. 

Since 2010, The Bar of Ireland has supported junior members to travel to the US to work on innocence project cases, aimed at exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals. 

The scholarships cover travel and living expenses for the three-month period, enabling the recipients to fully immerse themselves in their work with the respective innocence projects.  

During their time in the US, they will collaborate with legal experts, review case files, conduct investigations, and assist in preparing legal documents aimed at exonerating individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. 

Speaking in advance of her travels to the United States, Gemma McLoughlin Burke BL said: “I am delighted to be heading to Florida to work with the Innocence Project this year and am very grateful to the Bar of Ireland for giving me the opportunity to do so.  

“In a state which still imposes the death penalty, work by volunteers such as those in the Innocence Project is absolutely vital.  

“I look forward to helping as many voiceless and vulnerable individuals as I can in their pursuit for truth, justice and exoneration.” 

Innocence projects play a crucial role in the justice system by identifying and rectifying wrongful convictions.  

These projects not only seek to free innocent individuals but also work to prevent future injustices through legal reforms and advocacy.  

The experience gained by the barristers will not only enhance their legal skills but also deepen their understanding of the profound impact of wrongful convictions on individuals and society. 

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