Justice Review Unit Expanding: Positioned to be one of the Largest Post-Conviction Units in the Nation and the Largest in Tennessee

 Shelby County, TN— The Justice Review Unit (JRU), a leading force in post-conviction advocacy, announced the receipt of a substantial grant from the Department of Justice to bolster its mission to rectify wrong convictions. The almost $527,000 grant positions them as one of the largest post-conviction units in the nation and the single largest in Tennessee.

The Department of Justice grant is under the Upholding the Rule of Law and Preventing Wrongful Convictions Program. It will allow JRU to expand its staff, including an additional prosecutor, paralegal, and technology assistant. With the added resources, JRU will be provided with more bandwidth to respond to the approximately 100 new applications received each month. 

“With this generous grant, we are poised to make even greater strides in ensuring that justice is served,” said District Attorney Steve Mulroy—who formed the unit upon taking office in 2022. “Our enhanced capacity will enable us to delve deeper into cases, ultimately making a profound impact on the lives of those who have been wrongly imprisoned.”

The grant’s impact goes beyond the unit itself, contributing to the broader landscape of criminal justice reform. By becoming one of the largest post-conviction units nationally and claiming the top spot in Tennessee, the JRU sets a precedent for the pursuit of truth and fairness.

The JRU also oversees use-of-force investigations in officer-involved incidents and in-custody deaths. Since its inception, the JRU has handled at least a dozen cases involving law enforcement. The unit conducts a separate investigation from the DA’s Office. Once the investigation is complete, a recommendation is presented to the District Attorney.

The JRU launched in December 2022. It is led by long-time Memphis attorneys Lorna McClusky (Director) and Robert Gowen (Deputy Director).

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