Date of Graduation

8-2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Sociology (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Sociology and Criminology

Advisor/Mentor

Bradley, Mindy S.

Committee Member

Sabon, Lauren

Second Committee Member

Harris, Casey T.

Keywords

Criminology; Exoneration; Law and society; Wrongful conviction

Abstract

Research on wrongful conviction has found several factors associated with an erroneous conviction. As of yet, research has not delved into the jurisdictional effects on exoneration. Using the American State’s use of the death penalty for a proxy of punitiveness, this study will examine if there is a relationship between use of capital punishment and exoneration rates. The National Registry of Exonerations is the most comprehensive collection of exonerations to date and this secondary data source will be analyzed using logistic regression models to examine differences across policy environments. Result show that non-death penalty states have a much higher exoneration rate, with significant gender and race patterns showing greater exoneration of Blacks and female defendants in death penalty states.

Included in

Criminology Commons

Share

COinS