George C. Cochran Innocence Project at the University of Mississippi School of Law
Serving Clay, Lowndes, Noxubee, Oktibbeha Counties
About
The George C. Cochran Innocence Project (GCCIP) is an in-house clinical law program at the University of Mississippi School of Law. Originally founded in 2007 as the Mississippi Innocence Project, it provides direct post-conviction legal representation to Mississippi prisoners with credible claims of actual innocence. Its core work includes:
Post-Conviction Legal Representation: Investigates claims of wrongful conviction, re-examines evidence, files post-conviction petitions, and litigates in state and federal courts to exonerate Mississippi prisoners.
Forensic & Scientific Re-Investigation: Evaluates cases for testable physical evidence (such as DNA) and challenges faulty forensic science, forced confessions, or eyewitness misidentifications.
Legal Education & Student Clinical Training: Pairs law students with supervising attorneys to perform hands-on legal research, draft court pleadings, interview clients, and handle real-world innocence litigation.
Essential details
Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Appointment only
Free — Yes. All legal evaluation, investigative work, and post-conviction representation provided by the George C. Cochran Innocence Project are 100% free of charge to accepted clients and their families. Applications must be submitted directly by or on behalf of the incarcerated individual.
By availability
Who is eligible
Incarcerated individuals serving significant sentences in Mississippi state prisons who have a verifiable claim of actual innocence (meaning they did not commit the crime for which they were convicted).