In households across the world, individuals streamed Making a Murderer on Netflix. Many found themselves completely obsessed with the idea of Steven Avery's wrongful conviction, as well as the way in which his second trial went that has put him back behind bars. I was one of the many that found myself completely obsessed with the topic. I began to do more research into the topic, looking more into the groups that were involved with assisting Mr. Avery. I found that the organization that worked to exonerate Steven Avery, the Innocence Project, is a national initiative to assist those who are wrongly convicted. As a History major working towards becoming a teacher, this newfound interest was strange to me.
Little did I know, a few weeks later I would be changing the track of my degree. I decided to add a Psychology major to my already existent History major. I began to look at law schools, for institutions that have their own programs with the Innocence Project, for law schools with criminal law degrees or Forensic Psychology. I began this search to find something that would enable me to be able to help these individuals that have spent unnecessary time in prison. I started to have a desire to work with these men and women who are relying on others to fight for the justice system.
I am captivated by their stories. I am intrigued by their experiences. I am infuriated by the injustice they have to face. When I tell others I want to be a criminal defense lawyer and work for the Innocence Project, I get mixed reactions. Some know what the program is, so they are encouraging and wish me luck. Many others are confused at how someone could possibly defend someone who is in jail. Many have an indescribable trust in our judicial system, while there are many problems. What I tell those individuals is to imagine they are approached by a police officer. Imagine that officer begins to get pushy. You're interviewed for hours on end by individuals who make you feel as if they already think you're guilty and won't stop until you admit to it - whether or not you did it. You make a statement that can be misconstrued as a confession, and now you're in prison, facing a trial in which there could be evidence against you. Most of the cases the Innocence Project deals with are cases from before the admittance of DNA evidence - so imagine that science can't save you. You're found guilty. You're in jail, and you didn't commit the crime. Now imagine that no one gives you a second chance and says you deserve to be in jail for the awful crime you did. But you never did it. You don't see your family, you don't see your friends, you eat disgusting food, you're in a dangerous jail, you're watching your life pass you by, and all of your hopes and dreams are taken.
That is why I want to defend these individuals in court. That is why I want to spend my life helping these members of the United States who have been taken advantage of by the justice system. At the risk of sounding too cynical, there are many problems with our justice system, and I plan on making some progress in correcting these issues within our country.
