TORONTO, November 14, 2001 -- The Innocence Project, a clinical program at York University’s Osgoode Hall Law School that involves law students in the investigation of cases of suspected wrongful conviction, is currently preparing an application to the Minister of Justice for Romeo Phillion’s exoneration under Section 690 of the Criminal Code.

Over the past four years, more than 20 law students in the Innocence Project at Osgoode have investigated the 30-year-old conviction of Phillion for the murder of Ottawa firefighter Leopold Roy. Recently discovered evidence strongly suggests Phillion was wrongly convicted and, as a result, has been wrongly incarcerated for almost 30 years.

The application will be filed with the Minister of Justice as soon as the investigation and the preparation of the brief are completed. At that time, Osgoode’s Innocence Project will release further information on the Phillion case to the media.

The work of students in Osgoode’s Innocence Project is performed under the supervision of a faculty member with the assistance of mentors from the criminal defence bar. In addition to the clinical work, students study and research both causes of, and remedies for, miscarriages of justice.

Osgoode Hall Law School Professor Dianne Martin, director of the Innocence Project, describes the Phillion case as having all the features of a classic wrongful conviction – a terrible crime, a marginal accused and suspect evidence.

"I am extremely proud of the incredible work of the students and their tireless efforts to investigate what appears to be a shocking miscarriage of justice," she said.

-30-

For information regarding the Phillion case and Osgoode's Innocence Project, contact:

The Innocence Project
Osgoode Hall Law School
416-736-5174
YU/127/01