Date of Award
3-18-2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Criminal Justice Sciences
First Advisor
Michael C. Gizzi
Abstract
As the number of wrongful convictions and exonerations of individuals imprisoned for crimes they did not commit has increased dramatically, the study of wrongful conviction has become increasingly important. The majority of past research has focused on the various causes of wrongful convictions. However, very little attention is given in detail to the specific nature of each of these causes. This thesis examined the most current, inclusive database of exonerations in the United States that exists, the National Registry of Exonerations. Qualitative and Quantitative data was examined and refined, and statistical analyses were run including descriptives, frequencies, and correlations in order to gain a better understanding of what role official misconduct plays in contributing to wrongful convictions. A content analysis of 814 cases involving official misconduct was conducted in order to provide deeper insight into the nature of official misconduct including its perpetrators and the actions that constitute misconduct.
Recommended Citation
Gilliam, Mia, "The Role of Official Misconduct in Wrongful Convictions" (2016). Theses and Dissertations. 501.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/501
DOI
http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2016.Gilliam.M
Page Count
93
Comments
Imported from ProQuest Gilliam_ilstu_0092N_10731.pdf