Wrongful Convictions and Public Policy Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What was the underlying concern that led to the moratorium on executions?

  • Concerns about legal representation quality for death row inmates
  • Increasing execution rates reflecting public support
  • A higher number of exonerations compared to executions among death row inmates (correct)
  • A significant drop in crime rates in the state

    • How did the moratorium influence public discourse on the death penalty?

  • It promoted a return to retributive justice policies
  • It diminished public interest in the death penalty altogether
  • It caused a nationwide decline in crime rates and recidivism
  • It increased media scrutiny and public advocacy for abolition and reform (correct)

    • What shift in perspective did the governor's decision to declare a moratorium represent?

  • A belief that the death penalty was an effective deterrent for crime
  • A focus on reducing the cost of legal proceedings for capital cases
  • An emphasis on preventing wrongful executions over retributive justice (correct)
  • A focus on maintaining traditional punitive measures without change

    • What was one of the broader impacts of the moratorium on death penalty practices across the United States?

    <p>It prompted other states to reassess their own death penalty practices</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the main reasons for advocating for systemic changes in the criminal justice system post-moratorium?

    <p>To address the possibility of executing innocent individuals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a traditional factor associated with wrongful convictions?

    <p>Jury Bias</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of recording police interrogations?

    <p>To ensure transparency and create an objective record</p> Signup and view all the answers

    International Wrongful Conviction Day is observed on which date?

    <p>October 2nd</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of felony convictions is conservatively estimated to be wrongful each year?

    <p>0.5%</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary goal of Conviction Integrity Units (CIUs)?

    <p>To ensure only guilty parties are convicted and to exonerate the innocent</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor was found to increase the likelihood of a wrongful conviction?

    <p>The defendant offering a family witness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What influenced Godsey's decision to become an innocence lawyer?

    <p>Witnessing an exoneration case early in his career</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding police interrogations?

    <p>They are recommended to be recorded for transparency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is cognitive dissonance?

    <p>A mental conflict arising from holding contradictory beliefs or attitudes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a recommendation made by Huff (2002)?

    <p>Establishing Innocence Commissions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does exoneration entail?

    <p>A conviction being vacated based on new evidence of innocence</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement about wrongful convictions is accurate?

    <p>Eyewitness identification errors contribute significantly to wrongful convictions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What psychological condition is commonly experienced by exonerees in the aftermath of their wrongful conviction?

    <p>Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary focus of Conviction Integrity Units (CIUs)?

    <p>Addressing concerns about innocence in convictions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do exonerees frequently struggle with depression and anxiety?

    <p>They face the loss of years and damaged relationships.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many individuals has the Innocence Project helped exonerate using DNA evidence?

    <p>Over 200</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common effect of wrongful conviction on an individual's sense of self?

    <p>Loss of identity and self-esteem</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge do exonerees face when trying to reintegrate into society?

    <p>Feeling overwhelmed by societal norms and changes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is false regarding cognitive dissonance?

    <p>It occurs when there is alignment between actions and beliefs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How might wrongful conviction lead to feelings of mistrust?

    <p>They may be suspicious of people around them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is considered the most common cause of wrongful convictions?

    <p>Eyewitness identification error</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What emotional response might exonerees experience due to guilt?

    <p>Survivor's guilt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why is long-term mental health support often necessary for exonerees?

    <p>Psychological impacts can be profound and enduring.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one consequence of social isolation for exonerees after their release?

    <p>They feel alienated and disconnected.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one way prosecutors might justify unethical actions in the context of wrongful convictions?

    <p>They believe these actions are necessary for maintaining public safety.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does cognitive dissonance affect jurors in wrongful conviction cases?

    <p>It can lead them to ignore or downplay exculpatory evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What psychological discomfort is experienced when holding contradictory beliefs?

    <p>Cognitive dissonance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What might jurors prioritize over objectively evaluating evidence due to cognitive dissonance?

    <p>Maintaining their belief in the infallibility of the system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be a consequence of bureaucratic practices leading to wrongful convictions?

    <p>Justification of harmful acts as routine procedures</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might individuals involved in wrongful convictions not perceive their actions as morally wrong?

    <p>Their actions align with organizational goals.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can lead to significant harm despite the goal of maintaining public safety?

    <p>Administrative practices that become routine</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one effect on individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and later exonerated?

    <p>Long-term psychological trauma</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Wrongful Convictions and Public Policy

    • Traditional Factors of Wrongful Convictions: Mistaken eyewitness identification, false confessions, and inadequate defense representation are key contributors; jury bias is not traditionally linked.

    • Significance of Recording Police Interrogations: Enhances transparency and establishes an objective record, reducing opportunities for misconduct.

    • International Wrongful Conviction Day: Observed annually on October 2nd to raise awareness about wrongful convictions.

    • Estimated Wrongful Conviction Rate: Roughly 0.5% of felony convictions are conservatively thought to be wrongful each year.

    • Conviction Integrity Units (CIUs): Aim to ensure only the guilty are convicted and to exonerate the innocent, contrasting with a focus on expanding convictions.

    • Factors Increasing Wrongful Convictions: Offering a family member as a witness can heighten the risk, while strong prosecution cases and forensic evidence typically reduce it.

    • Godsey's Motivation as Innocence Lawyer: Inspired to advocate for the innocent after witnessing an exoneration early in his career.

    • Understanding Cognitive Dissonance: Describes the mental conflict of holding contradictory beliefs, impacting jurors who struggle with evidence countering their faith in the justice system.

    • Huff's Public Policy Recommendations: Suggest abolishing the death penalty, establishing Innocence Commissions, and compensating wrongfully convicted individuals, but does not advocate for increased police funding.

    • Definition of Exoneration: It refers to the vacating of a person's conviction and dismissal of charges based on new evidence proving innocence.

    True/False Insights

    • Criminal History's Impact: A criminal past does not decrease the likelihood of a wrongful conviction; conversely, it can exacerbate biases against defendants.

    • Eyewitness Identification: Recognized as the leading factor associated with wrongful convictions.

    • Function of CIUs: Primarily focused on investigating wrongful convictions rather than on prosecuting repeat offenders.

    • Exonerations by the Innocence Project: Over 200 individuals have been exonerated through DNA evidence facilitated by the organization.

    Psychological Effects of Wrongful Conviction

    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Exonerees commonly experience PTSD, with symptoms like flashbacks and heightened anxiety.

    • Depression and Anxiety: Leads to issues stemming from lost years, damaged relationships, and reintegration difficulties.

    • Identity and Self-Esteem Loss: Prolonged incarceration can erode an individual’s sense of self-worth.

    • Social Isolation: Exonerees may find it hard to reconnect with society and face stigma post-incarceration.

    • Difficulty Adjusting: Experiencing significant societal changes during incarceration complicates reintegration into everyday life.

    • Mistrust and Paranoia: Exonerees may develop a deep-seated mistrust of the justice system and authority figures.

    • Survivor's Guilt: Feelings of guilt can arise post-exoneration, impacting emotional recovery.

    Significance of Illinois Death Penalty Moratorium

    • Addressing Systemic Errors: The 2000 moratorium highlighted the troubling trend of exonerations outpacing executions, stressing the potential for wrongful executions.

    • Catalyst for Broader Reforms: Initiated discussions for legislative and policy changes to limit wrongful convictions, especially in capital cases.

    • Raising Public Awareness: The moratorium brought significant attention to the flaws in the criminal justice system, fostering public support for reforms.

    • Shift in Policy Perspective: Emphasized a focus on justice and the prevention of executing innocent individuals over mere punitive measures.

    • Impact on National Practices: Encouraged other states to reconsider their death penalty practices and foster similar reform movements against wrongful executions.

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    Related Documents

    Quiz 1: Wrongful Convictions and Public Policy PDF

    Description

    Test your knowledge on the factors leading to wrongful convictions and the implications of public policy in the justice system. This quiz covers research findings and significant practices aimed at preventing miscarriages of justice. Explore the importance of evidence and the role of defense in ensuring fair trials.

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