How much time goes into researching an average case?
Adequate, quality research takes time and patience. Research on a particular case usually begins by someone telling the Blackwelders about a case that is “unusual.’ Research usually starts with an Internet search using West Law and Lexus Nexus, legal research programs. Media outlets, law enforcement agencies, prosecuting attorneys and correctional facilities are contacted for information. Efforts are always made to interview the sentencing Judge and, if at all possible, with members of the jury. While there is no set pattern for conducting criminological research, the work usually starts with contact being made with the inmate and the inmate family members or just the opposite. In order for the research to be un-biased, the victims as well as the perpetrators are interviewed as well as their family members. Inmates always want to talk to someone “new” and, while not always the case, the inmate’s family members generally cooperate after finding that Criminology Research Project, Inc., i
