The Need:

Since 1989, Tennessee has seen only 36 exonerations—a shockingly low number compared to similar states. By contrast: 

• North Carolina: 75+ exonerations 

• Louisiana: 90+ exonerations 

• Michigan: 175+ exonerations 

• Illinois: 500+ exonerations 

Why is Tennessee so far behind? It’s not because our justice system makes fewer mistakes. It’s because, until recently, we haven’t had the tools to correct them. For Tennesseans who are wrongfully convicted, this disparity means they're less likely to see justice than if they lived in a neighboring state—a geographic inequality we're determined to address. 

Why Tennessee Has Fallen Behind:

Historically, Tennessee has lacked the mechanisms to properly address the criminal justice system's shortcomings, including adequate support for wrongful conviction cases: 

• The resources available for post-conviction innocence claims are severely limited, making it challenging to conduct thorough investigations. 

• There's minimal funding for the specialized investigators and expert witnesses often needed to prove innocence. 

• Unlike an initial trial (where you are innocent until proven guilty), the burden of proof falls entirely on the wrongfully convicted person. 

These challenges are significant, but with community support and strategic advocacy, we can overcome these barriers. Every voice joining our cause strengthens our ability to correct these systemic issues. 

Our Impact:

The seeds of the Tennessee Innocence Project were planted in 2000, when, with support of the national Innocence Project, the University of Tennessee College of Law launched an all-volunteer project to fight wrongful convictions. These volunteers helped pass the Tennessee Post-Conviction DNA Analysis Act of 2001, a major milestone in improving access to justice for the wrongfully convicted. 

In 2009, the University of Tennessee opened a small innocence clinic with law students, but it was underfunded and could only take on a handful of cases. For almost a decade, this innocence clinic remained the only resource for wrongfully convicted people in the state, and it became clear that there was a critical need for a state-wide non-profit innocence organization. 

In 2019, a dedicated group of individuals founded the Tennessee Innocence Project (TIP) as a freestanding state-wide non-profit, expanding its mission to operate with law schools, law firms, advocacy groups, and CRUs to provide the resources necessary to exonerate innocent individuals.  

In less than 6 years, TIP has helped to exonerate 9 individuals, accounting for a total of 237 years lost behind bars. View our annual report to learn more about our impact across the state: 

Support Our Work:

We're fighting every day to correct these injustices, but we can't do it alone. Every day counts. Join us in making a difference for the wrongfully convicted—one case at a time. Take action today by volunteering your time, making a donation below, or attending our next event.