Terrill Swift - Chairperson, Board of Directors

Terrill Swift is an exoneree who spent over 15 YEARS wrongfully incarcerated for a crime he did not commit. At the age of 17, he was arrested and interrogated in connection with a rape and murder case. Despite the immense adversity he faced, Terrill's resilience led to his eventual exoneration. Now, he uses his experiences to advocate for criminal justice reform and raise awareness about wrongful convictions, inspiring others with his unwavering commitment to justice.

Drawing from his personal experience, he has actively campaigned for reforms in youth interrogation practices, playing a pivotal role in Illinois becoming the first state to pass legislation that bans the use of deception in youth interrogations. Terrill has also collaborated with legislators to successfully pass a similar bill in California, which recently adopted such crucial legislation.

Furthermore, Terrill is currently immersed in writing his upcoming book, which he expects to announce the release of in the near future. This venture represents his commitment to sharing his invaluable experiences and insights with a wider audience, aiming to inspire and empower others.

As LAJ’s chairperson, Terrill assumes a pivotal role in guiding and shaping the organization's mission and vision. With unwavering commitment, he actively contributes to advancing the goals and objectives of LAJ, ensuring its impact on the lives of those affected by the criminal justice system