Belief and Blame: Understanding Perceptions of the Wrongfully Convicted

• In Event: Blame Attribution and Public Opinion

Abstract

Wrongfully convicted people face significant stigma, creating barriers that hinder their reintegration – particularly in securing housing and employment (Westervelt & Cook, 2012; Zannella et al., 2020). It is unclear what exactly motivates this stigma, though when looking at other stigmatized victims (e.g., sexual assault survivors), blame emerges as an important influence. Research on victim blaming has identified several variables that impact blame (CRCVC, 2009; Gravelin et al.,2018), but it remains unclear if these factors would similarly impact judgments of wrongfully convicted persons. The present study aims to investigate what factors influence people’s belief (vs. blame) in the innocence of wrongfully convicted individuals. One hundred and eight undergraduate students from a Canadian university were asked to identify what factors (if any) would strengthen or weaken their belief in an individual’s innocence, as well as what might influence their perceptions of blame. In a content analysis, responses will be coded into mutually exclusive and exhaustive categories. Frequently occurring categories will be explored in relation to the broader systemic, situational, and individual influences on belief and victim blaming. Findings will be discussed in the context of stigmatization and reintegration support for wrongfully convicted individuals.

Authors

• Carina Cardoso, Ontario Tech University

• Kimberley A. Clow, Ontario Tech University

• Taya Deshaun Henry, Ontario Tech University