“We can’t, sorry, but we can’t do it’: how wrongful convictions impact employment and education throughout the life-course”

Abstract

Abstract Attention given to wrongful convictions typically focuses on those experiences leading up to release and less on community reentry post-release. The current study contributes to existing conversations regarding community reintegration of wrongfully convicted individuals by focusing on employment. Using qualitative interviews with 19 individuals who were wrongfully convicted, I examine how wrongful convictions impact employment and education throughout one’s life-course. Findings reveal that wrongful convictions cause disruption to educational and career trajectories. While wrongfully incarcerated, programs are not provided to successfully reenter the community upon release. Finally, participants experience a multitude of barriers when trying to gain employment post-release. Policy implications, limitations, and directions for future research are also discussed.