Wrongful convictions occur when innocent individuals are found guilty of crimes they did not commit. The causes and risks leading to wrongful convictions include flawed forensic evidence, mistaken eyewitness identification, prosecutorial misconduct, inadequate legal defense, and systemic biases. The aftermath for the wrongfully convicted can be devastating, encompassing loss of freedom, psychological trauma, social stigma, and challenges in reintegrating into society. The impact extends beyond the individual to their families, who often face emotional distress, financial burdens, and social repercussions. Addressing wrongful convictions involves examining and reforming legal processes, improving investigative techniques, and providing support for exonerees and their families to mitigate these profound consequences.

Recent Publications:

Sorochinski, M. (2024). Casting Light on the Unseen Victims: A Comprehensive Review of the Ramifications of Wrongful Convictions and Exonerations on Families. International Review of Victimology.

Sorochinski, M., Johnson, M. B., Gharib, R.* (2023). The Weakest Link? Investigative Issues in Serial Sexual Assault that Lead to Wrongful Conviction for Single Crimes within a Series. International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice.

Forthcoming publications:

Sorochinski, M. (2024, under review). Beyond the Badge: A Scholarly Critique of B. Beyer’s ‘Rethinking the False Confessions Phenomenon’. Manuscript submitted for publication.

Sorochinski, M. (in preparation). Unseen Burdens: A Mixed Methods Exploration of the Emotional, Social, and Financial Impact on Families of the Wrongfully Convicted.

Sorochinski, M. (in preparation).  ). ‘Justice Served’: The Dual Purpose of Academic Service Learning Programs for Exoneree Reintegration & Transformative Experience for Students.