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Law students embrace Reprieve program

23 November 2005

Monash students have embraced an internship program that gives them experience in providing legal and humanitarian advice to US prisoners.

Students from all around the world attend the Reprieve Australia Internship Program program in the south of the US, which provides the advice to prisoners on death row.

To date, 18 Monash students and graduates have been placed as volunteer interns in seven offices in four US states. Four Monash students are currently undergoing internships through the program.

Arts/law student Ms Natasha Stojanovich is one of many Monash students who have participated in the program since its inception in 2001.

Ms Stojanovich (pictured), currently in her fifth year of study, completed her internship two years ago and is now the secretary of Reprieve Australia.

During her internship, Ms Stojanovich was based in a defence office in New Orleans, assisting attorneys and investigators with their cases.

Ms Stojanovich said it was a life-changing experience, although challenging at times.

"The system had given up on these prisoners, so most of them were very grateful we were there to help them," she said.

"Most prisoners spent 23-and-a-half-hours a day locked in a cell, so often we were their only human contact, other than prison guards.

"It was incredible to be able to use my legal skills to make a difference to someone's life."

Much of Ms Stojanovich's time was spent on investigative work, but she also conducted one-on-one interviews with prisoners.

"There were as many volunteers as paid staff at the firm where I was posted, so the extra hands were really needed," she said.

"Many of the prisoners' families were so poor they didn't own a car and couldn't visit their relatives in jail -- so I would sometimes drive them myself."

Participating in the internship has made Ms Stojanovich more intent on a legal career, something she wasn't always certain about.

"I can't recommend this program highly enough to other students," she said. "It's not for everyone -- you have to have a certain level of maturity and be prepared for a lot of hard work and tough times, but it's definitely worth it."

In her role as secretary for Reprieve Australia, Ms Stojanovic helps manage the selection of students, promotes the program to universities and organises events and campaigns.

"I'm strongly opposed to the death penalty, so it's great to be able to continue working on the program and assisting people who desperately need our help," Ms Stojanovich said.

Ms Stojanovich received generous support from the Monash Law Dean's Travel Fund and the Monash Abroad program while completing her internship.

Further information is available at the Reprieve Australia website or email contact@reprieve.org.au.