Pardon Granted!

We are so excited to share that on January 13, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom issued “a full and unconditional pardon” to former PCJP client Romarilyn Ralston! The Governor recognized that Romarilyn has “transformed her life” and “dedicated herself to supporting and advocating for her community.” PCJP represented Romarilyn in several…

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From Hopeless to Free

Post-Conviction Justice Project changes lives of two clients By Lauren Rogers and Heidi Rummel Students in the Post-Conviction Justice Project, headed by Professors Michael Brennan and Heidi Rummel, recently won life-changing victories for two clients.  William and Jerome were both teenagers tried as adults and sentenced to die in prison (juvenile life without…

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Inspiring passion for justice

Forty years after its founding, PCJP is one of the most enduring and influential clinical programs in the nation.

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Read more about the article Three clients freed from California prisons
PCJP client Allen, after his release from prison. (Photo / F. Scott Schafer)

Three clients freed from California prisons

As Black Lives Matter draws national attention to the pervasive systemic racism of the U.S. criminal system, USC’s Post-Conviction Justice Project continues to work on the front lines, in June freeing three life-sentenced clients from state prisons.

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Virtual Parole Hearing Victory: A Message from the Directors

On April 9 USC Gould School of Law student Simone Rudolf-Dib won a parole grant for her client at his initial youth offender hearing in PCJP’s first-ever virtual parole hearing. Her client was formerly sentenced to life without possibility of parole and commuted by Governor Jerry Brown in 2018. Like so many…

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PCJP client shares thoughts on gratitude and mindfulness

Former juvenile lifer client Louis shared his story for Homeboy Industries: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=181986496375414 "To be walking through that tunnel, with no light at the other side was, like, the worst feeling ever. All I know is my life was filled with hopelessness, fear and despair."

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PCJP client paroled and immediately detained by ICE

Cambodian refugee and PCJP client Tith Ton, 40, spent more than two decades in prison for killing a rival gang member. In December he was granted parole— approved by Gov. Gavin Newsom — but was immediately turned over to federal agents for possible deportation, reports the Los Angeles Times.

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