The Role of Official Misconduct in Wrongful Convictions

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

As the number of wrongful convictions and exonerations of individuals imprisoned for crimes they did not commit has increased dramatically, the study of wrongful conviction has become increasingly important. The majority of past research has focused on the various causes of wrongful convictions. However, very little attention is given in detail to the specific nature of each of these causes. This thesis examined the most current, inclusive database of exonerations in the United States, the National Registry of Exonerations. Qualitative and quantitative data were examined and refined, and statistical analyses were run including descriptives, frequencies, and correlations to gain a better understanding of what role official misconduct plays in contributing to wrongful convictions. A content analysis of 814 cases involving official misconduct was conducted to provide deeper insight into the nature of official misconduct including its perpetrators and the actions that constitute misconduct.

Author

• Mia Gilliam, Indiana University