Northeastern University School of Law Partnership
Since Fall 2022, first-year students from Northeastern University School of Law (NUSL) have partnered with the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, under the guidance of Professor Andrew Haile as part of the Legal Skills in Social Context course. The course equips students to apply legal skills in real-world settings.
In Spring 2023, NUSL produced its first report, Who Killed Louis Brown?, a two-pronged examination of the investigation into Louis Brown’s 1993 murder that offered policy recommendations to strengthen Massachusetts’ victim support system.
Explore our work with NUSL below.
FROM RESEARCH TO REFORM
2026/2027
Drafting Legislation to Support Survivors of Wrongful Convictions
Building on the 2025-26 report When Justice Fails Twice: Supporting Survivors in the Aftermath of Wrongful Convictions, Law Office X will translate that research into concrete legislative action.Â
August 26th, 2026 Update
Today the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute and Northeastern University School Of Law met to kick off this years initiative.
Working in response to a direct request from State Senator Jamie Eldridge, students will draft proposed legislation, a legislative fact sheet, and supporting materials aimed at improving Massachusetts’ response to survivors of wrongful homicide convictions.Â
The goal is to produce materials of sufficient quality and specificity so that Senator Eldridge’s office can file the legislation at the opening of the January 2027 legislative session.
2026
WHEN JUSTICE FAILS TWICE
Supporting Survivors in the Aftermath of Wrongful Convictions
When a conviction is overturned, families relive the trauma and face a system that isn’t built to support them. This report calls for policies that center survivors with communication, care, and accountability.
2025
UNSOLVED, BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Supporting Survivors of Homicide Victims with Unsolved “Cold” Cases
When a homicide remains unsolved, families are left in the dark and often without consistent communication or support. This report calls for stronger systems that improve transparency, accountability, and ensure survivors are informed and cared for throughout the process.
2024
A SCHEME FOR ALL
Recommendations for Improving the Massachusetts Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Scheme
This report examines how Massachusetts’ victim compensation system is meant to support families after violent loss, but often fails in practice. Survivors face a confusing, delayed process, unclear eligibility rules, and limited communication, leaving many without meaningful support. It calls for reforms to improve access, transparency, and ensure survivors are treated with dignity and care.
2023
ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL
Transforming the Approach to Survivors of Homicide Victims in Massachusetts
This report examines how Massachusetts’ victim support system often fails families of homicide victims, despite existing laws meant to protect them. Survivors face poor communication, lack of support, and rights that are rarely enforced in practice. It calls for reforms to ensure survivors are informed, supported, and treated with dignity and accountability.
WHO KILLED LOUIS BROWN?
How the Criminal Justice System Fails Families and Communities
This report examines the 1993 killing of Louis Brown and the failures that followed. It argues that the criminal justice system did not deliver justice, pointing to mishandled evidence, weak investigation, misleading prosecution, and a flawed plea deal that led to a questionable conviction.
Even decades later, the central question remains unanswered: who actually killed Louis?
Beyond the case itself, the report highlights broader patterns of over-policing, racial bias, and systemic neglect in 1990s Boston. It ultimately calls for reforms to ensure victims’ families are treated with dignity, transparency, and real support.