Date of Conferral

2021

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Criminal Justice

Advisor

Gregory Campbell

Abstract

Despite research summarizing the causes of wrongful convictions, there are limited works on factors influencing exonerees’ reintegration into society. Although reentry services are provided to ex-offenders, the problem is that reentry services are not provided to individuals who are wrongfully convicted and exonerated. This study used state harm as a theoretical foundation. The general qualitative study determined if support or reentry services, if any, would have enhanced or increased the chances of a successful transition into society for individuals wrongfully convicted and exonerated. Specifically, it was an investigation of how a lack of reentry services associated with life, employment, shelter, health, and connections with family and friends influenced their transition back into society. Semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted with eight participants to explore factors influencing exonerees' successful reentry into society. Responses were recorded, analyzed, and then imported into NVivo for transcription, coding, and further analysis. The results showed that reentry with immediate shelter, healthcare, support service programs, employment, and identity papers would lessen the obstacles to transition into society. The findings suggest a need for reentry services and programs for individuals wrongfully convicted and exonerated. The positive social change implications are documentation of the effect a lack of reentry services has on successful reintegration. These findings could aid criminal justice administrators, politicians, and state governments to consider policies that include services to support reentry of individuals wrongfully convicted and exonerated.

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