Last week, INIP Legal Director Victoria Bailey Casanova and Legal Counsel Josh Barnett represented the Indiana Innocence Project at the Innocence Network Midwest Regional Summit, held October 21–22, 2025, in downtown Cincinnati.

Hosted by the Ohio Innocence Project, the annual summit brings together innocence practitioners, legal advocates, and reform leaders from across the region for two days of collaboration, learning, and community-building. This year’s theme highlighted the intersection of science, technology, law, and humanity in advancing wrongful conviction work.

Sessions explored topics such as forensic genetic genealogy, artificial intelligence and justice, Brady disclosure and fair trial advocacy, and trauma-informed client communication. Attendees also participated in a docent-led tour of the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center, engaging with art that reflected themes of identity, memory, and justice, followed by a welcome reception at the Mayerson Foundation.

“As the newest member of the Innocence Network, the INIP is profoundly grateful for the opportunity to meet and learn from our new colleagues, all of whom share our passion for justice and commitment to freeing the innocent. We thank the Ohio Innocence Project for hosting this inspiring event and look forward to collaborating with the other Innocence Network member organizations across our region.” – INIP Legal Director Victoria Bailey Casanova

The summit concluded with reflections from regional and national leaders, reaffirming a shared commitment to advancing fairness and reform across the Innocence Network.

The Indiana Innocence Project is proud to be part of this regional community of advocates working tirelessly to correct wrongful convictions and restore lives across the country.

To learn more about the event, visit: https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2025/10/university-of-cincinnati-law-hosts-innocence-network-conference.html