Fighting for Second Chances: Professor Tinto and UC Irvine Law's Trailblazing Criminal Justice Clinic

My name is Joshua Bevill.  I'm serving a 30-year federal prison sentence for a low-level, nonviolent offense.  I've been in prison for nearly 15 years.  During my time on the frontlines I've witnessed up close and personal the human toll of injustice, which comes in many forms.

Among many other related pursuits, I routinely write about remarkable people who help rectify injustice—people like Mark Osler and MiAngel Cody and JaneAnne Murray.

I now spotlight Professor Katherine Tinto’s amazing work.

Professor Tinto isn't your average law professor who hides behind dusty textbooks or theoretical arguments. She stands on the frontlines of the criminal justice reform battle, fighting for the underdogs that languish behind prison bars. As the director of the University of California, Irvine Law School's groundbreaking Criminal Justice Clinic (CJC), Tinto isn’t simply instructing her law students on amicus briefs and torts; she’s creating warriors ready to battle the seemingly insurmountable problems of our criminal justice system. 

From Public Defender to Champion of Reform

Professor Tinto's dedication to criminal justice reform stems from a deep well of experience. Before becoming a legal scholar, she spent over seven years as a public defender in Los Angeles County.  Those years were a baptism by fire, exposing Tinto to the human cost of outdated and draconian sentencing laws.

"In the '90s and early 2000s, we had this strategy that if you punish people more, you'll have less crime," Tinto reflects. "That really hasn't proven to be true."  

Witnessing the consequences of this philosophy firsthand ignited a passion in Tinto, one that has fueled the CJC’s compassionate release program that aims to help those serving excessively long sentences, often for crimes that wouldn't merit such punishment today. Many of Tinto and her students’ clients are aging or in failing health, their dreams of reuniting with their families fading with each passing year.

"You can no longer get mandatory life in prison for drug offenses only, but it's not retroactive," Tinto explains. "So you have hundreds of men serving life in prison for crimes they would not get that sentence for today."

The human cost of such situations is what ultimately drives Professor Tinto and her students.

More Than Law School: A Beacon of Hope in a Flawed System

The CJC isn't just a law school program; it's a beacon of hope for those trapped in a system stacked against them. Tinto recognizes the inherent flaws in past sentencing practices and the lack of legal aid available to prisoners.

"There are very few lawyers who work on behalf of prisoners—there isn't money in it and there aren't a lot of pro bono attorneys—and it's really meaningful work," Tinto emphasizes.  "You can change someone's life and save someone's life if they're spending life in prison."

The CJC provides more than just legal representation to inmates; they also empower students to develop a holistic approach to criminal defense. Beyond learning to develop sound legal arguments, students are encouraged to address the root cause of crime and advocate for their clients’ well-being in areas like housing, mental health treatment, and employment.

"My favorite part is telling someone they're going home," Tinto shares, a hint of pride in her voice. "These men have really worked hard. … They did their crimes in their 20s … but (they've) been long since punished. Telling someone that the judge has agreed and has recognized the person they've become today and will release them is very powerful."

It has become obvious to all who witness the work Tinto and her students do that the clinic isn't just about winning cases; it's about rewriting narratives and shattering the cycle of recidivism. By providing legal expertise, social support, and a chance at redemption, the CJC empowers its clients to become productive members of society.

"I think it's amazing to see the resilience of people, to find it within themselves, to transform and change and stay positive," she reflects. "Not everyone can do that when they're faced with prison. I'm humbled by individuals' ability to find it within themselves to make the best of an impossible situation. … These people had the potential to become who they are outside in the community, but we never gave them a chance."

The Fight Continues: Building a More Just Future

Tinto acknowledges that the battle for criminal justice reform is far from over, but her passion and dedication are unwavering. With the CJC at the forefront of this fight, Tinto and her law students will continue to advocate for individual clients while also pushing for systemic change.

"We will continue to be at the front lines of excessive sentences and second chance litigation in federal courts nationwide," Tinto declares.

Professor Tinto's dedication, coupled with the tireless work of her students, is making a real difference in the lives of countless individuals. The UC Irvine Law School's Criminal Justice Clinic is a testament to the power of legal education to create positive change. It's a model for law schools across the country, inspiring a new generation of lawyers to fight for justice and equity within the criminal justice system.