A Look Into My Internship With the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission
By Shane Murphy 
Working as an intern at the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission, I’ve had the unique opportunity to contribute to the critical work of investigating post-conviction claims of innocence. This experience has been both challenging and rewarding, offering insights into the complexities of the criminal justice system and the meticulous process of seeking truth and justice. This is the type of role that I believe is only possible in a public-sector position, where an agency like the Commission can operate on their charge without financial motives.
One of main responsibilities I had during my internship was assisting in the evaluation of innocence claims. This process is far more intricate and demanding than I initially imagined. Each claim requires a thorough, objective analysis that often involves sifting through mountains of documentation. When a new claim comes in, we would start by reviewing the initial application. This document provides an overview of the case and the basis for the innocence claim. From there, we dive into the case files, which include trial transcripts, police reports, forensic analyses, and any post-conviction filings.
The key I found was to approach each claim with an open mind while maintaining a critical eye. The Commission is not looking to advocate for the claimant, but rather to uncover the truth, whatever it may be. This often means scrutinizing both the evidence that supports the claim of innocence and the evidence that led to the original conviction. One of the most challenging aspects of this work is dealing with the emotional weight of these cases. Behind each file is a real person whose life has been profoundly affected by their conviction. Balancing empathy with objectivity is a skill I’ve had to develop quickly.
Some of the most eye-opening experiences of my internship were participating in interviews with convicted felons who have submitted claims of innocence. These interviews are typically conducted at correctional facilities across the state, and they require extensive preparation and a unique approach to make the most of an interview. Before each interview, we thoroughly review the case files and prepare a list of questions. The goal of these preparations is to clarify inconsistencies, explore new leads, and gather any additional information that might support or refute the innocence claim.
During the interviews, I learned the importance of active listening and asking probing questions without being confrontational. It’s a delicate balance – we need to get to the truth, but we also need to establish a rapport that encourages openness and honesty. I found that individual claimants’ recollection of events was remarkably detailed in some areas but hazy in others. This experience taught me about the complexities of human memory and the challenges of investigating cases long after the fact.
Interviewing witnesses is another crucial aspect of our work. This can include individuals who testified at the original trial, people who have come forward with new information, or experts who can provide insights into specific aspects of a case. These interviews often require travel around the state, as we meet witnesses in their homes, workplaces, or other locations where they feel comfortable. One of the most challenging aspects of witness interviews is dealing with evolving or conflicting testimonies. People’s memories can change over time, or they may have reasons for altering their stories. Learning to navigate these complexities and to ask questions that can help clarify discrepancies has been an invaluable skill.
My internship also honed my fact-finding skills. The Commission often deals with cases that are years or even decades. Information can be scattered, memories can fade, and evidence can deteriorate. To overcome these obstacles, we employ a variety of fact-finding techniques. This includes everything from traditional research methods – like combing through old newspaper articles and public records – to more modern approaches like using social media to track down potential witnesses.
One case required us to reconstruct the timeline of events on the night of a crime that occurred over 20 years ago. This involved cross-referencing police reports, witness statements, and even weather records to piece together a coherent narrative. The attention to detail required for this work has sharpened my analytical skills in ways I never expected.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of this internship has been the opportunity to travel around North Carolina. This travel was not just about sightseeing, of course. Each trip has a purpose, whether it’s to interview a witness, visit a crime scene, or meet with local law enforcement. These trips took us to small mountain prisons and obscure areas in Eastern North Carolina to interview claimants and examine crime scenes, respectively. These explorations have given me a deeper appreciation for the diverse communities that make up North Carolina and the challenges each area faces in terms of criminal justice and provided great opportunities to bond with the other interns and the staff attorneys at the Commission.
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of this internship has been the sense that we’re performing a vital public service. Our work goes beyond just investigating individual claims of innocence – we’re also contributing to the broader goal of improving the criminal justice system, as well as giving an avenue for people to claim innocence that they never would have had without the establishment of the Commission. As part of our case reviews, we often end up auditing not just the specific case at hand, but also the broader evidentiary and law enforcement practices that led to the conviction. This can involve scrutinizing forensic techniques, questioning investigative procedures, or highlighting issues with how evidence was collected or presented at trial.
We also examined how forensic evidence was collected and analyzed. In some older cases, we’ve found that forensic techniques that were once considered reliable have since been discredited. Part of our job is to evaluate whether these outdated practices may have contributed to a wrongful conviction. This auditing process has given me a new perspective on the importance of continual improvement and oversight in the criminal justice system. It’s not just about correcting past mistakes but about preventing future ones.
My internship at the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission has been an intensely educational experience. I’ve developed practical skills in legal research, interviewing, and fact-finding. I’ve gained insights into the complexities of the criminal justice system and the challenges of investigating old cases, while providing a service for those who wish to claim innocence on their charges when there is no other avenue for them to pursue.
Beyond practical skills, this internship has profoundly impacted my understanding of justice and the vital importance of organizations like the Innocence Inquiry Commission. The work we do here is not just about reviewing individual cases – it’s about upholding the principles of justice and continually striving to improve our legal system. I would encourage students seeking meaningful experiences to branch out into government positions where they can put their skills to work in service of individuals and principles that will reward both themselves and the communities they serve.
Shane Murphy is a third-year law student at the University of North Carolina School of Law. This year, the NCBA’s Government & Public Sector Section partnered with the Zoning, Planning, & Land Use Section and the Criminal Justice Section to provide joint scholarships to law students who show demonstrated interest in public service and who work in an unpaid summer internship in a federal, state, or local government office in North Carolina. Murphy received a $1,200 scholarship to support his internship with the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission in summer 2024.