Authors at the University of Florida have researched the negative reactions and stigma associated with exonerated persons compared to parolees and average individuals. The abstract of the article “After Exoneration: An Investigation of Stigma and Wrongfully Convicted Persons” states:
Research has demonstrated that stigma may affect the re-entry experiences of individuals who are exonerated of crimes they did not commit. In this study, we examined exoneree stigmatization by examining participants’ perceptions of exonerated individuals compared to parolees and average individuals. In addition, we varied the target’s race to examine if race played a role in stigma levied upon exonerated individuals. Results indicated that people who are exonerated and people who are actually guilty are stigmatized more than those with no criminal history. Race did not affect the level of stigma encountered, but further research is needed prior to concluding that race does not affect stigma for exonerated individuals.
Download the full article here.
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