The Perceptions of Innocence and Guilt: Understanding Relationships Between Exonerees and their Loved Ones

• In Event: Public Opinion about Felony Stigma, Redeemability, and Returning Citizens’ Reentry Process

Abstract

Exoneration and wrongful conviction are complicated topics in the field of criminology and the criminal justice system. Research that has introduced the subject of wrongful conviction focuses on those faults of the criminal justice system, for example, false or misleading forensic evidence, false confession, official misconduct, inadequate legal defense, and more. Yet, there is a gap in understanding the social, psychological, and economic impact of those who have been wrongfully convicted and those associated with wrongful convictions. Recent studies indicate that social and psychological implications after wrongful conviction may not be just impacting exonerees but their loved ones as well. To understand these gaps in exoneree research, the study follows 35 in-depth semi-structured interviews, precisely 19 exonerees, and 16 loved ones. Previous research found multiple subthemes in this data that needed to be explained further in their work, including perceptions of guilt and innocence. This research explores the theme of the perceptions of guilt and innocence from exonerees and their loved ones. Specifically, how the perceptions of innocence and guilt impact the relationships between exonerees and their loved ones.

Authors

• Martha McCullough, The University of South Florida

• Amanda Lewis, Georgetown University