Register Today! May 25th is the YLD Second Annual Cornhole Tournament

TThere are few injustices greater than an innocent person forced to suffer for crimes they did not commit. As the English jurist William Blackstone wrote, and then Benjamin Franklin extended further to 100 guilty persons, “[B]etter that ten guilty persons escape, than that one innocent suffer”. Erroneous convictions have immeasurable consequences for exonerees, victims, and the families of all involved parties. The notion and principle that our justice system should err on the side of caution to ensure fairness is enshrined in American Law through the United States Constitution with the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

Yet, even under this cautionary approach, far too many innocent individuals continue to pay the price for crimes they did not commit. Thankfully, there are organizations around the world dedicated to righting these wrongs. One such organization, The Ohio Innocence Project (“OIP”), operates just 50 miles south of the Dayton Bar Association. The work of OIP plays a crucial role right here in the state of Ohio to ensure these injustices are rectified. Since 2003, OIP, partnering with the University of Cincinnati, has dedicated its mission to rectifying these wrongs. Over the last 20 years, OIP aided in the release of 39 wrongfully convicted Ohioans, including Dayton native, Dean Gillispie, who collectively served over 700 years behind bars. This year, the Young Lawyer Division (“YLD”) is hosting the Second Annual Cornhole Tournament to support OIP’s efforts.

The Cornhole Tournament's Significance

As attorneys and officers of the Court, it is only natural that we strive to ensure core principles of the legal system we swear to uphold are promoted. One of these principles is that ALL are presumed innocent until proven guilty. OIP works to ensure that our legal system address its mistakes and rectify them whenever it decides to hold a person accountable for a crime. It is important for the YLD, and the greater Dayton Bar Association, to raise funds and awareness for OIP because, without their dedication and valuable work, innocent people will continue to serve time behind bars without the resources and support that they so desperately need and deserve. The funds raised by the YLD cornhole tournament is just one way that we here in the Dayton community can support OIP to continue its work as a bastion of our constitutional rights.

About Last Year’s Cornhole Tournament

Last year, the 2021-2022 DBA Leadership Development Class hosted the DBA’s first cornhole tournament. Inspired by OIP and a similar organization, Equal Justice Works, the Leadership Development Class raised over $1,800 to support these two organizations. Like any tournament, the cornhole festivity brought out top competitors across various firms, practice areas, state agencies and courtrooms for a multi-round knockout competition. Ultimately, the Public Defender’s office took the 2022 title - which the YLD is hopeful they will defend (pun intended).

Looking Ahead

The YLD seeks to bring together a broad diversity of lawyers to support this amazing cause. While the cornhole tournament, fosters a competitive, but funspirited environment, the work this event supports makes it a vital event for all DBA members to attend. This year the YLD's goal is to raise $5,000 for OIP. The event is slated for Thursday, May 25th at the Dayton Beer Company (however, this information is subject to change). Be on the lookout for tournament updates and registration. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to YLD Co-chairs Jordan Jennings and Kaylee Price.

This Year’s Guest of Honors and Tournament Goals

Similar to last year’s event, this year’s tournament will recognize two Ohio exonerees: Roger “Dean” Gillispie and Robert McClendon. The YLD is honored to have these remarkable men attend this year’s tournament once again to educate and enlighten the members of the Dayton bar about the importance of OIP’s work.

Dean Gillispie served 20 years in prison for crimes he did not commit. At 46 years old, Gillispie walked out of prison on Christmas Day 2011. In 2015, Gillispie’s Motion to Dismiss his indictment was granted by Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Steven Dankof. After a series of Appeals, Judge Dankof’s ruling was ultimately upheld, and Gillispie’s case was officially dismissed in 2017. Gillispie is the 12th person freed with the assistance of OIP. Since his release, Gillispie remains heavily involved as an advocate for the organization.

Robert McClendon, was exonerated after spending 17 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. Since McClendon's exoneration, he has accomplished some remarkable achievements, including advocating for criminal justice reform, like Gillispie, and becoming a nationally ranked cornhole player.

Both Gillispie and McClendon serves as an educational ambassador for OIP, often speaking at community groups and high school, college, and law students around the state.