Convicting the Factually Innocent: A Review of the Evidence on Wrongful Convictions

Miscarriages of justice, particularly those involving wrongful convictions, have been at the forefront of consistent scholarly debate, research, and concern. This focus and cause for concern is well-founded, given the copious adverse effects that wrongful convictions can have on an individual as well as society in general. These effects can be socially and psychologically damaging to a wrongfully convicted person. Such psychological effects of wrongful convictions can include post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychiatric disorders, including panic disorder, paranoia and personality change, and drug and alcohol dependence. Wrongfully convicted individuals may also experience issues pertaining to fear, social isolation, self-blame, and social adjustment. Errors associated with wrongful convictions often result in a defendant being sentenced to unwarranted correctional punishment. To this end, understanding the nature and extent of wrongful convictions is critical, especially in today's society where there is a heightened focus on concerns for justice, safety, and system effectiveness.