A STUDY ON FALSE CONVICTIONS AND ITS PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT ON THE VICTIMS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CHENNAI BY - KHUSHI AMRUTH
A STUDY ON FALSE CONVICTIONS AND
ITS PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT ON THE VICTIMS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO CHENNAI
AUTHORED BY - KHUSHI AMRUTH
BA LLB (Hons), 3rd Year Saveetha
School Of Law (SSL)
Saveetha Institute Of Medical And
Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai-77
ABSTRACT
Wrongful conviction is a serious
problem that can have a profound impact on the lives of those who are
wrongfully convicted. In addition to the physical and financial hardships of
imprisonment, the wrongfully convicted also experience a number of psychological
problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression,
and anger. These psychological problems can persist long after the wrongfully
convicted are exonerated, and can have a significant impact on their ability to
reintegrate into society. The study also found that the psychological impact of
wrongful conviction can vary depending on a number of factors, including the
length of time the individual was imprisoned, the nature of the crime they were
accused of, and the way in which they were exonerated. The study suggests that
the psychological impact of wrongful conviction is a serious problem that needs
to be addressed. The objectives of the research are to understand the mental
condition of the convicts and suitable methods to avoid such conviction. Misidentification:
Eyewitness misidentification is one of the leading causes of wrongful
conviction. In many cases, eyewitnesses are mistaken about who they saw commit
a crime. False confessions: False confessions can also lead to wrongful
convictions. responses were recorded using empirical research methods and
convenient sampling.
KEYWORD: False convictions, mental and psychological impacts., prison,
convicts, procedure established by law.
INTRODUCTION
The innocent people are falsely
convicted of crimes and sentenced to prison for them, which is a serious
problem in the criminal justice system. On the lives of individuals impacted,
as well as on their mental health and general well-being, this can have a
terrible effect. This study aims to investigate the psychological effects of
erroneous convictions on those who have gone through them. The study will look
at persons who have been unfairly imprisoned and their experiences, including
any trauma and stress they may have gone through over the course of the
investigation, the trial, and their imprisonment. It will also look at how
erroneous convictions affect people's ties to their communities, families, and
friends. PTSD and trauma: Recent study has brought attention to the painful
experiences that many people who are wrongfully incarcerated go through,
including the trauma of being detained, charged with, and imprisoned for a
crime they did not commit. Studies have also shown that those who have been
unfairly convicted often suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Utilisation of qualitative research
methods: A lot of studies are now utilising qualitative research approaches to
learn more about the experiences of people who have been unfairly convicted and
the effects that have on their mental health and well-being. With the help of
with these techniques, researchers
can better grasp the psychological effects of erroneous convictions by
capturing the subtleties and complexity of people's experiences. Compensation
schemes: To help people who have been unfairly convicted financially, many
governments have set up compensation schemes. These initiatives offer a way to
make up for the harm. Conviction review units: To look into situations of
possible unjust convictions, certain governments have formed conviction review
units. Lawyers and detectives who analyse cases and recommend future action to
the courts work in these units. Training for law enforcement and prosecutors:
In order to avoid unjust convictions, governments have realised how crucial it
is to educate law enforcement and prosecutors on best practices. Support
services for those who have been unfairly convicted: Governments have set up
support services, such as mental health and social services, to aid those who
have been wrongfully convicted in rebuilding their lives after being released
from prison. Length of incarceration: The amount of time a person is imprisoned
for a crime they did not commit can have a major effect on their mental health
and general wellbeing. Seriousness of the crime: An individual's mental health
and well-being may be impacted by the seriousness of the offence for which they
were erroneously found guilty. p. Social support can be extremely helpful in
assisting wrongfully convicted individuals cope with the psychological effects
of their experiences. This support can come from family, friends, and the
community. Race and socioeconomic status are significant factors in outcome.
OBJECTIVE
? To analyse the common reasons for false
conviction and its increased rates amongst the jury
? To study the most common impacts of
false conviction on the psychology of the convicted, the social views observed.
? To examine the sufficiency of the
legislation that are implemented in the society to gain criminal justice for
the falsely convicted
? To propose the effective measures
that are adapted to resolve the false conviction probability
? To observe the current prevailing
scenario of false convictions in India
Review of literature
S. M. Guindon, 2012. Guindon (2012) article "Psychological consequences of wrongful
conviction: A review of the literature" provides a comprehensive overview
of the psychological impacts of wrongful conviction on individuals who have
been wrongfully convicted. Guindon examines the effects of wrongful conviction
on mental health, including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD), and suicidal ideation. J.
Wemmers and C. Cyr, published in Victims & Offenders: An International
Journal of Evidence-based Research, Policy, and Practice, ISSN 1556-4886, 2017.The
Impact of Wrongful Convictions on Victims: An Exploration of Needs"
examines the psychological impact of wrongful convictions on victims and their
families. The authors argue that the criminal justice system should take a
victim-centred approach to addressing wrongful convictions, and provide
appropriate support and resources to victims and their families. The Psychological Impact of Wrongful
Conviction and Imprisonment" by J. Jackson, S. Bradford, and J. O'Neill,
published in International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative
Criminology, ISSN 1552-6933, 2013.The Psychological Impact of Wrongful
Conviction and Imprisonment" examines the psychological effects of
wrongful conviction and imprisonment on individuals who have been wrongfully
convicted. The article explores the impact of wrongful conviction on mental
health, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The Psychological Effects of Wrongful Conviction: A Research
Agenda" by S. Redlich, published in Criminal Justice and Behavior, ISSN
0093-8548, 2011.The Psychological Effects of Wrongful Conviction: A
Research Agenda" provides a comprehensive review of the research on the
psychological impacts of wrongful conviction. The article identifies gaps in
the current literature and suggests avenues for further research, including the
need for longitudinal studies to examine the long-term effects of wrongful
conviction on mental health, and the need for research on the impact of
wrongful conviction on specific populations, such as women and minorities. Exonerees' perceptions of the psychological
impact of wrongful conviction and incarceration" by J. Snook, K. Petrunik,
and M. Luther, published in Psychology, Crime & Law, ISSN 1068-316X, 2011.The
article explores the impact of wrongful conviction on mental health,
relationships, and employment. The authors argue that it is important to
provide exonerees with appropriate support and resources to aid their
reintegration into society, and to raise public awareness of the risks of
wrongful conviction. Stroh, G. A. &
Henry, E. (2013). Posttraumatic stress disorder in exonerees. Journal of
Forensic Psychology Practice, 13(1), 22-34. ISSN: 1522-8932.This article
explores the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals
who have been wrongfully convicted and later exonerated. The authors provide a
review of the literature on PTSD in exonerees and discuss the potential
implications for the mental health of these individuals. The study concludes
that PTSD is a common experience for exonerees and suggests that more research
is needed to understand the long-term effects of wrongful conviction on mental
health. Campbell, M. A. & Porter, L.
E. (2015). Investigating the relationship between wrongful conviction and
mental health: An exploratory study. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry &
Psychology, 26(6), 775-792. ISSN: 1478-9949.This article presents an
exploratory study on the relationship between wrongful conviction and mental
health. The authors conducted interviews with six individuals who were
exonerated after being wrongfully convicted and analysed the transcripts using
a thematic analysis approach. The study found that the experience of wrongful
conviction can have significant negative impacts on mental health, including
symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Sorensen,
J. R. & Marquis, R. (2015). The effects of exoneration on perceived social
support and psychological distress. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 22(5),
674-688. ISSN: 1934-1687.This article examines the impact of exoneration on
perceived social support and psychological distress in individuals who were
wrongfully convicted. The authors conducted a survey with 87 exonerees and
found that the experience of exoneration can lead to increased feelings of
loneliness and social isolation, as well as psychological distress such as
anxiety and depression. The study suggests that social support may play a
crucial role in helping exonerees cope with the psychological effects of
wrongful conviction. Al-Najjar, H. &
Narchal, R. (2016). A qualitative investigation into the psychological impact
of wrongful conviction. Journal of Forensic Practice, 18(3), 167-178. ISSN:
2050-8794.This article presents a qualitative investigation into the
psychological impact of wrongful conviction on individuals who have been
exonerated. The authors conducted interviews with 14 exonerees and analysed the
transcripts using a thematic analysis approach. The study found that the
experience of wrongful conviction can have long-lasting psychological effects,
including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and a sense of loss of identity. The study
highlights the need for support and resources to help exonerees cope with the
psychological impact of wrongful conviction. Wright, K. M. & Greene, C. (2017). After exoneration: Understanding
the psychology of wrongful conviction and the reintegration of exonerees.
Criminal Justice and Behavior, 44(3), 375-392. ISSN: 0093-8548.This article
provides an overview of the psychological effects of wrongful conviction and
the challenges faced by exonerees upon their release from prison. The authors
discuss the role of social support, trauma, and identity in the reintegration
process and provide recommendations for improving support services for
exonerees. The study concludes that more research is needed to better
understand the psychological effects of wrongful conviction and to develop
effective strategies for supporting exonerees in their reintegration into
society. "Understanding False
Confessions: Theories, Conceptualizations, and Implications" by Saul M.
Kassin and Katherine L. Kiechel (ISSN: 0735-7044). This article provides an
overview of the psychological theories and research on false confessions. The
authors discuss the different types of false confessions and the factors that
contribute to them, such as the use of suggestive interrogation techniques and
the desire to end a stressful situation. They also discuss the implications of
false confessions for the criminal justice system, including the risk of
wrongful convictions. An Empirical Study
of False Confessions: Recommendations for Improved Policy and Practice" by
Richard A. Leo, Deborah Davis, and Jessica S. Klaver (ISSN: 0017-8012).This
article presents the findings of a study on false confessions, which are a
leading cause of wrongful convictions. The authors identify factors that
contribute to false confessions, including psychological pressures and the use
of deceptive interrogation techniques. They recommend reforms to improve the
reliability of confessions, such as videotaping interrogations and requiring
corroboration of key details. The
Innocent Defendant's Dilemma: An Innovative Empirical Study of Plea
Bargaining's Innocence Problem" by Lucian E. Dervan and Vanessa A. Edkins
(ISSN: 1939-578X).This article discusses the problem of innocent defendants
facing pressure to accept plea bargains even if they are not guilty. The study
uses a simulation to demonstrate how the innocence problem affects plea
bargaining outcomes. The authors argue that current practices, such as
mandatory minimum sentences, contribute to false convictions and call for
reforms to reduce the risks of wrongful convictions. The Psychological Impact of Wrongful Conviction: Lessons from the
Social Sciences"ISSN: 2152-7337Leo, R. A. (2008). The psychological impact
of wrongful conviction: Lessons from the social sciences. Journal of Psychiatry
& Law, 36(3), 335-354.This article provides an overview of the
psychological impact of wrongful conviction on individuals, drawing on insights
from the field of social psychology. The author highlights several key factors
that contribute to the psychological harm caused by wrongful convictions,
including loss of control, trauma, and stigmatisation. The article also
discusses the challenges that exonerees face in rebuilding their lives after
release, including financial and social barriers. Psychological Impact of Wrongful Conviction: A Critical
Review"ISSN: 1932-6158,Goff, L. & Hewitt, J. (2010). Psychological
Impact of Wrongful Conviction: A Critical Review. Journal of Forensic
Psychology Practice, 10(1), 35-58. This article provides a critical review
of the existing literature on the psychological impact of wrongful conviction.
The authors argue that while there is a growing body of research on this topic,
there is still much that is unknown about the psychological effects of wrongful
conviction on individuals. The article summarises the key findings of previous
studies, including the prevalence of PTSD and other mental health issues among
exonerees, as well as the impact of wrongful conviction on family members and
loved ones. The Impact of Wrongful
Convictions on the Right to a Fair Trial: A Comparative Study of Common Law and
Civil Law Systems." International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare,
vol. 11, no. 3, 2018, pp. 227-237. ISSN: 2056-4902.This article examines
the impact of wrongful convictions on the right to a fair trial, particularly
in the context of common law and civil law systems. The authors analyse the
legal frameworks and procedures in different jurisdictions and the various
factors that contribute to wrongful convictions, such as eyewitness
misidentification, false confessions, and forensic errors. The article also
discusses the psychological impact of wrongful convictions on the accused and
the broader societal consequences of such errors. The Psychological Impact of Being Wrongfully Convicted: An Exploratory
Study." The Howard Journal of Crime and Justice, vol. 55, no. 4, 2016, pp.
439-453. ISSN: 2059-1098.This article presents the findings of an
exploratory study on the psychological impact of wrongful convictions. The
authors conducted semi-structured interviews with five individuals who had been
exonerated after being wrongfully convicted. The study found that the
psychological impact of wrongful convictions can be profound and long-lasting,
with effects such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
and a loss of trust in the criminal justice system. The authors argue that more
research is needed on this topic to better understand the experiences of
exonerees and to inform policy and practice. The Long-Term Effects of Wrongful Convictions: A Systematic Review of
the Literature." Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice,
vol. 19, no. 1, 2019, pp. 1-14. ISSN: 2473-2850.This article provides a
systematic review of the literature on the long-term effects of wrongful
convictions. The authors analysed 25 studies that examined the psychological,
social, and economic consequences of wrongful convictions on exonerees and
their families. The study found that the effects of wrongful convictions can be
long-lasting and far-reaching, with impacts on employment, relationships,
physical and mental health, and financial stability. The authors highlight the
need for more support services for exonerees and their families to help them
cope with the aftermath of wrongful convictions. The Innocent and the Guilty: Evaluating the Psychological Impact of
Wrongful Convictions on Innocent and Guilty Parties." Legal and
Criminological Psychology, vol. 24, no. 2, 2019, pp. 193-211. ISSN: 2044-8333.This
article explores the psychological impact of wrongful convictions on both
innocent and guilty parties. The authors conducted a survey of 180
participants, including exonerees, guilty parties, and control participants.
The study found that both innocent and guilty parties can experience
significant psychological distress as a result of wrongful convictions,
including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The authors suggest that more research
is needed to understand the differences in psychological outcomes between
innocent and guilty parties and to inform interventions and support services. The Innocent and the Guilty: Evaluating the
Psychological Impact of Wrongful Convictions on Innocent and Guilty
Parties." Legal and Criminological Psychology, vol. 24, no. 2, 2019, pp.
193-211. ISSN: 2044-8333.This article focuses on evaluating the
psychological impact of wrongful convictions on both innocent and guilty
parties involved in the criminal justice system. The study uses a mixed-methods
approach to examine the impact of wrongful convictions on psychological
well-being, with a particular emphasis on guilt and shame.
Methodology:
The research was conducted using
empirical method where convenient sampling was used.A total of 206 responses were recorded. The independent
variables are age, gender, occupation, locality. The dependent variables are
The common reasons for false conviction and its increased rates amongst the
jury, The most common impacts of false conviction on the psychology of the
convicted ,the social views observed, Even though there is legal legislation in the
International covenant on civil and political rights under article 14(6), but
still there needs to be specific legislation to deal with the rehabilitative
scope for the falsely convicted, The effective measures that are adapted to
resolve the false convictions are, On a scale of 1-10 rate the current scenario
of false convictions and the efforts of the state by the state to prevent it. The
graphical tool for representation was used alongside cluster bar graph.
ANALYSIS
FIGURE-1
Legend
The figure 1 establishes the
relationship between the common reasons for false convictions and its increased
rate amongst the jury with the age of the respondents.
FIGURE-2
Legend
The figure-2 represents the relation between the common reasons
for false convictions and its increased rate amongst the jury with the gender
of the respondents.
FIGURE-3
Legend
The figure-3 represents the relation
between the common reasons for false convictions and its increased rate amongst
the jury with the qualification of the respondents.
FIGURE-4
Legend
The figure-4 represents the relation
between the most common impacts of false
conviction on the psychology of the convicted , and the social view observed with the age of the
respondents.
FIGURE-5
Legend
The figure-5 represents the relation
between the most common impacts of false
conviction on the psychology of the convicted , and the social view observed with the gender of the
respondents .
FIGURE-6
Legend
The figure-6 represents the relation
between the most common impacts of false
conviction on the psychology of the convicted , and the social view observed with the occupation of the
respondents.
FIGURE-7
Legend
The figure-7 represents the relation
between even though there is a legal legislation in the International covenant
on civil and political rights under article 14(6), but still there is a
need to have specific legislation to
deal with the rehabilitative scope of the falsely convicted
with the age of the respondents.
FIGURE-8
Legend
The figure-8 represents the relation
between even though there is a legal legislation in the International covenant
on civil and political rights under article 14(6), but still there is a need to
have specific legislation to deal with the rehabilitative scope of the falsely
convicted with the gender of the respondents.
FIGURE-9
Legend
The figure-9 represents the relation
between even though there is a legal legislation in the International covenant
on civil and political rights under article 14(6), but still there is a
need to have specific legislation to
deal with the rehabilitative scope of the falsely convicted
with qualification.
FIGURE-10
Legend
The figure-10 represents the relation
between even though there is a legal legislation in the International covenant
on civil and political rights under article 14(6), but still there is a
need to have specific legislation to
deal with the rehabilitative scope of the falsely convicted with the locality of the
respondents
FIGURE-11
Legend
The figure-11 represents the relationship between the
effective measures adapted to resolve with the false convictions with the age
of the respondents
FIGURE-12
Legend
The figure-12 represents the relationship between the
effective measures adapted to resolve with the false convictions with the
gender of the respondents
FIGURE-13
Legend
The figure-13 represents the relationship between the
effective measures adapted to resolve the false convictions with the occupation
of the respondents.
FIGURE-14
Legend
The figure-14 represents the rating
on a scale of 1-10 rate the current scenario of false convictions and the
efforts of the state to prevent it with the age of the respondents.
FIGURE-15
Legend
The figure-15 represents the rating
on a scale of 1-10 rate the current scenario of false convictions and the
efforts of the state to prevent it with the gender of the respondents.
RESULTS
The figure 1 establishes the relationship between the common reasons
for false convictions and its increased rate amongst the jury with the age of
the respondents. The most common response recorded is flawed forensic evidence
where the majority of the respondents are between the age of 21-30 yrs preceded
by false confessions and the pressure to finish the pending case. The figure-2 represents the relation
between the common reasons for false convictions and its increased rate amongst
the jury with the gender of the respondents, the most common response recorded
amongst is pressure to finish the pending cases where the majority of the
respondents are female preceded by the flawed forensic evidences. The figure-3
represents the relation between the common reasons for false convictions and
its increased rate amongst the jury with the qualification of the respondents. The
figure-3 represents the relation
between the common reasons for false convictions and its increased rate amongst
the jury with the qualification of the respondents were the most common
response recorded is flawed forensic evidences where the majority of the
respondents are undergraduate.
The figure-4 represents the relation between the most common impacts of
false conviction on the psychology of the convicted, the social view observed
with the age of the respondents, the most common response recorded amongst is
loss of trust amongst the society where the majority of the respondents are
between the age of 21-30 yrs. The figure-5
represents the relation between the most common impacts of false conviction on the psychology of the
convicted , and the social view observed
with the gender of the respondents the most common response is loss of trust
amongst the society where the majority
of the respondents are males preceded by behaviours and habituating offensive
characteristics. The figure-6 represents
the relation between the most common impacts of false conviction on the
psychology of the convicted, and the social view observed with the occupation
of the respondents the most common response recorded is loss of trust amongst
the society where the majority of the respondents belong to private job holding
preceded by others and the emotional outbreaks and shattered relationships are
the next common responses. The figure-7 represents
the relation between even though there is a legal legislation in the
International covenant on civil and political rights under article 14(6), but
still there is a need to have specific
legislation to deal with the rehabilitative scope of the falsely convicted
with the age of the respondents, the most common response recorded
amongst is strongly agree where the majority of the respondents are between the
age of 15-20yrs preceded by neutral where the majority of the respondents are
between the of 21-30yrs.The figure-8
represents the relation between even though there is a legal legislation
in the International covenant on
civil and political rights under article 14(6), but still there is a need to
have specific legislation to deal with the rehabilitative scope of the falsely
convicted with the gender of the respondents. The most common response recorded
is neutral were the majority of the respondents are female preceded by strongly
agree where the majority are females. The
figure-9 represents the relation
between even though there is a legal legislation in the International covenant
on civil and political rights under article 14(6), but still there is a
need to have specific legislation to
deal with the rehabilitative scope of the falsely convicted
with qualification the most common response recorded is strongly agree
where the majority of the respondents are HSC students preceded by neutral where the majority of the respondents
are undergraduates. The figure-10 represents
the relation between even though there is a legal legislation in the
International covenant on civil and political rights under article 14(6), but
still there is a need to have specific legislation to deal with the
rehabilitative scope of the falsely convicted with the locality of the
respondents, the majority of the response recorded is neutral where the
majority of the respondents reside by urban areas. The figure-11 represents the relationship between the effective
measures adapted to resolve with the
false convictions with the age of the respondents were the most common response
recorded is increased transparency of the investigation system and increased
training of law enforcement system where the majority of the respondents are
between the age of 21-30yrs preceded by increased use of advanced forensic
modules. The figure-12 represents
the relationship between the effective measures adapted to resolve with the false convictions with the gender of the
respondents the majority of the response
is recorded is increased transparency of the investigation system the majority
of the respondents are female. The figure-13
represents the relationship between the effective measures adapted to
resolve the false convictions with the occupation of the respondents. The
majority of the response recorded is increased transparency of the
investigation system where the most common respondents are others. The figure-14 represents the rating on a
scale of 1-10 rate the current scenario of false convictions and the efforts of
the state to prevent it with the age of the respondents. The majority of the
respondents are 21-30yrs where the most
common response recorded is 4 preceded by 15-20 yrs where the most common
response recorded is 5.The figure-15 represents the rating on a scale of 1-10
rate the current scenario of false convictions and the efforts of the state to
prevent it with the gender of the respondents, the most common response recorde
is 4 where the majority of the respondents are males preceded by 5 where the
majority respondents are female and males.
DISCUSSION
The figure-1 establishes the relationship between the common reasons
for false convictions and its increased rate amongst the jury with the age of
the respondents. Female jurors are more likely to believe that pressure to
finish pending cases is a common reason for false convictions. This may be
because they are more likely to be aware of the challenges that women face in
the criminal justice system, such as the stereotype that they are more likely
to be falsely accused of crimes. The figure-2
represents the relation between the common reasons for false convictions and
its increased rate amongst the jury with the gender of the respondents, the
most common response recorded amongst is pressure to finish the pending cases
where the majority of the respondents are female preceded by the flawed
forensic evidences. Undergraduate jurors are more likely to believe that flawed
forensic evidence is the most common reason for false convictions. This may be
because they are less familiar with the other factors that can contribute to
false convictions, such as eyewitness misidentification and false confessions. The
figure-3 represents the relation
between the common reasons for false convictions and its increased rate amongst
the jury with the qualification of the respondents were the most common
response recorded is flawed forensic evidences where the majority of the
respondents are undergraduate. The results also suggest that there is a need to
educate jurors about the risks of false convictions. This education should
include information about the different factors that can contribute to false
convictions, as well as the importance of critical thinking and open-mindedness
when evaluating evidence. The figure-4 represents
the relation between the most common impacts of
false conviction on the psychology of the convicted , the social view observed with the age of the
respondents, the most common response recorded amongst is loss of trust amongst
the society where the majority of the
respondents are between the age of 21-30 yrs. Younger respondents are more
likely to believe that false conviction has a negative impact on the psychology
of the convicted, and they are also more likely to believe that there is a need
for specific legislation to deal with the rehabilitative scope of the falsely
convicted.. The figure-5 represents
the relation between the most common impacts of false conviction on the
psychology of the convicted, and the social view observed with the gender of
the respondents the most common response is loss of trust amongst the society
where the majority of the respondents are males preceded by behaviours and
habituating offensive characteristics. the figure-6
represents the Male respondents are more likely to believe that false
conviction has a negative impact on the psychology of the convicted, and they
are also more likely to believe that there is a need for specific legislation
to deal with the rehabilitative scope of the falsely convicted. The figure-7 represents the relation
between even though there is a legal legislation in the International covenant
on civil and political rights under article 14(6), but still there is a
need to have specific legislation to deal
with the rehabilitative scope of the falsely
convicted with the age of the
respondents, the most common response recorded amongst is strongly agree where
the majority of the respondents are between the age of 15-20yrs preceded by
neutral where the majority of the respondents are between the of 21-30yrs.The figure-8 represents the relation
between even though there is a legal legislation in the International covenant
on civil and political rights under article 14(6), but still there is
aneed to have specific legislation to
deal with the rehabilitative scope of the falsely convicted
with the gender of the respondents. The most common response recorded is
neutral were the majority of the respondents are female preceded by strongly
agree where the majority are females. The survey results show that there is a
general consensus that there is a need for specific legislation to deal with
the rehabilitative scope of the falsely convicted. This is especially true
among female respondents and HSC students. The figure-9 represents the relation between even though there is a
legal legislation in the International covenant on civil and political rights
under article 14(6), but still there is a need
to have specific legislation to deal with the rehabilitative scope of the
falsely convicted with qualification the most common response
recorded is strongly agree where the majority of the respondents are HSC
students preceded by neutral where the
majority of the respondents are undergraduates. The fact that the most common
response to the question about specific legislation was "neutral"
suggests that there is some uncertainty about the need for such legislation.figure-10 represents the relation
between even though there is a legal legislation in the International covenant
on civil and political rights under article 14(6), but still there is a
need to have specific legislation to
deal with the rehabilitative scope of the falsely convicted with the locality of the
respondents, the majority of the response recorded is neutral where the
majority of the respondents reside by urban areas. The figure-11 represents the relationship between the effective
measures adapted to resolve with the false convictions with the age of the
respondents were the most common response recorded is increased transparency of
the investigation system and increased training of law enforcement system where
the majority of the respondents are between the age of 21-30yrs preceded by
increased use of advanced forensic modules. The figure-12 represents the relationship between the effective measures
adapted to resolve with the false convictions with the gender of the
respondents the majority of the response is recorded is increased transparency
of the investigation system the majority of the respondents are female. The figure-13 represents the relationship
between the effective measures adapted to resolve the false convictions with
the occupation of the respondents. The majority of the response recorded is
increased transparency of the investigation system where the most common
respondents are others. The figure-14
represents the rating on a scale of 1-10 rate the current scenario of false
convictions and the efforts of the state to prevent it with the age of the
respondents. The majority of the respondents are 21-30yrs where the most common response recorded is 4
preceded by 15-20 yrs where the most common response recorded is 5.The figure-15 represents the rating on a
scale of 1-10 rate the current scenario of false convictions and the efforts of
the state to prevent it with the gender of the respondents, the most common
response recorde is 4 where the majority of the respondents are males preceded
by 5 where the majority respondents are female and males.
LIMITATIONS
Small sample size: Many studies on
false convictions have small sample sizes, which can make it difficult to
generalise the findings to the wider population of wrongfully convicted
individuals. Self-report data: Many studies on false convictions rely on self-report
data from the wrongfully convicted individuals themselves. This data can be
unreliable, as people may not be accurate in their reporting of their own
experiences. Lack of control groups: Many studies on false convictions do not
have control groups, which makes it difficult to determine the specific impact
of false conviction on the psychology of convicts. Difficulties in obtaining
data: It can be difficult to obtain data on false convictions, as many of these
cases are never overturned. This can make it difficult to study the long-term
psychological impact of false conviction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, false convictions have
significant impacts on the psychology of convicts, their families, and the
criminal justice system. The psychological impacts of wrongful conviction may
include anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even suicidal
tendencies. Convicts may experience a loss of identity and a sense of stigma
that can affect their relationships and job opportunities. Families of convicts
may also suffer from emotional distress, financial difficulties, and social
isolation. Additionally, the criminal justice system may suffer from a loss of
public trust and confidence, and its ability to provide fair and just outcomes
may be questioned. To mitigate the impacts of false convictions, government
initiatives such as providing financial compensation, mental health services,
and social support to wrongfully convicted individuals and their families are
essential. Additionally, reforms in the criminal justice system such as
improving eyewitness identification procedures, strengthening defence
mechanisms, and enhancing forensic sciences can help prevent wrongful
convictions. It is essential to continue research on the impacts of false
convictions on the psychological well-being of convicts and their families to
develop effective interventions to mitigate the harms caused by wrongful
convictions. Improved training for law enforcement: Law enforcement officers
need to be properly trained in eyewitness identification, interrogation
techniques, and forensic science. This training should help to reduce the
likelihood of errors being made in these areas. Increased use of DNA testing:
DNA testing can be a powerful tool for exonerating the innocent and convicting
the guilty. However, it is important to ensure that DNA testing is used
appropriately and that the results are interpreted correctly. Independent
review of cases: Cases should be reviewed by independent experts to ensure that
the evidence is properly evaluated and that the prosecution's case is strong.
This can help to identify cases where there is a risk of false conviction. Compensation
for the wrongfully convicted: The wrongfully convicted should be compensated
for their time in prison and for the other losses they have suffered. This can
help to ease the financial burden of wrongful conviction and to provide some
measure of justice for those who have been wrongfully imprisoned. Increase
funding for innocence projects: Innocence projects are organisations that work
to exonerate the wrongfully convicted. They provide legal representation,
investigative assistance, and financial support to those who have been
wrongfully convicted.
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