A group of lawyers who defend condemned prisoners is leading an effort to submit clemency applications for Illinois' 160 death row inmates.

The lawyers are mailing to other attorneys information that includes guidelines on writing and filing clemency petitions, a checklist of what should be included in a filing and a rough draft from a generic petition that can be tailored to a defendant's circumstances.

The lawyers also are offering tips on making compelling cases, including suggestions to link problems in their clients' cases with proposed reforms to the state's death penalty system.