Original Trauma and Judicial Disasters: Original Crime Victims’ Experiences with Wrongful Convictions in the USA

Session Submission Type: Complete Thematic Panel

Abstract

This panel will focus on original crime victims’ experiences with exonerations in the USA. It presents an original crime victim’s personal experience, a research presentation on in-depth interviews with original crime victims in wrongful conviction cases, and a presentation on policy initiatives underway to address these circumstances.Particular attention will be given to the use of restorative justice practices in addressing the harms of wrongful convictions.

Sub Unit

• Area VI. Victimology / 28. Patterns and Trends in Victimization

Individual Presentations

• A Personal Experience: Overcoming Victimization and Exonerations - Jennifer Thompson, Healing Justice

• Judicial Disasters: Original Crime Victims Share their Experiences With Wrongful Convictions - Kimberly Cook, University of North Carolina Wilmington

• Policy Reform Incorporating Original Victims in Wrongful Conviction Cases - Katie Monroe, Healing Justice

Discussant

• Saundra Westervelt, University of North Carolina Greensboro