In this Giving Tuesday special episode of Unpacking Injustice, MTIP Executive Director Amy Sings In The Timber and Legal Director Brady Minow Smith walk through the Montana Innocence Project’s newly released strategic plan.

Since 2008, MTIP has been dedicated to freeing the innocent and challenging injustice. In this episode, Amy and Brady break down how our mission is expanding to meet the needs we see every day in Montana’s legal system — from strengthening legal casework to improving reentry support and advancing second-chance reforms.

Together, they discuss each of our four strategic priorities:

1. Narrative Change

How shifting public understanding, elevating lived experiences, and sharing accurate data can change the conversation about justice in Montana.

2. Legal Work

How MTIP will continue our commitment to innocence work while expanding our legal efforts to address other forms of injustice and bring about second chances for more people.

3. Support for Reentry

Why reentry support is essential, what Montanans face as they come home from prison, and how MTIP will stand alongside clients as they rebuild their lives.

4. Advocacy

How community-powered policy work and statewide collaboration can build a more fair, accountable, and transparent justice system.

Whether you’ve followed MTIP for years or are joining us for the first time, this episode offers clear insight into where we’re headed and why this moment matters.

Support Our Work

If you believe in the work ahead, consider making a Giving Tuesday gift to help bring this strategic plan to life.

https://mtinnocenceproject.org/donate

Read the Strategic Plan Summary

https://mtinnocenceproject.org/mtip-2026-2029-strategic-plan/

What does justice look like when we execute someone, knowing the system is fallible?

In this episode, Montana Innocence Project Executive Director Amy Sings In The Timber and Legal Director Brady Minow Smith discuss the death penalty — its moral, legal, and human implications through the lens of innocence and manifest injustice work.

They explore how personal experience shapes perspective, why innocence cases reveal the irreversible dangers of capital punishment, and what redemption means in a justice system built on retribution.

The conversation also touches on the case of Robert Roberson, an Innocence Project client who, at the time of recording, was scheduled for execution in Texas based on discredited science. Amy and Brady unpack what happens when new evidence and evolving science are ignored and what that says about our justice system.

We are elated to share that since this recording, Robert has been granted a stay of execution, opening the door for a step toward justice.

Join us for a discussion marking World Day Against the Death Penalty. We encourage you to listen, reflect, and share this episode with someone who may be interested in learning more perspectives on this critical issue.

Recommended Resources:

Witness to Innocence

Conservatives Concerned

Death Penalty Action

Recommended Reads:

His Execution Is Days Away. A Detective Says He’s Innocent.

The Last Appeal Podcast by Lester Holt

Texas court blocks execution of death row inmate Robert Roberson

In recognition of the 12th Annual International Wrongful Conviction Day, the Montana Innocence Project was honored to be joined by author, lawyer, and exoneree Calvin Duncan. Alongside MTIP Executive Director Amy Sings In The Timber and Legal Director Brady Minow Smith, the panel explored the barriers that keep people behind bars, Calvin’s story and work since exoneration—including his current bid for the Clerk of Courts office—and broader manifest injustices affecting Montanans and communities nationwide beyond actual innocence cases.

This conversation is both educational and inspiring, highlighting actionable steps we can take to advance fairness and reform in our legal system.