• Law -> Criminal Law and Justice

• 0 Comment

5. Can wrongfully convicted individuals ever fully recover from the trauma of imprisonment?

Joell Kwiek

Wrongful conviction is among the most harrowing experiences one can ever go through. When an innocent person is convicted, the consequences extend beyond just the ordeal of prison time; the person's life as they knew it is shattered beyond recognition. Questions are raised, such as who to hold accountable, what about compensation, and can wrongfully convicted individuals ever fully recover from the trauma of imprisonment?

The short answer is 'no.' While physical health can be restored relatively quickly after wrongful conviction, the psychological and social trauma can take longer to heal, if they ever do. With time, the bruises heal, the broken bones mend, and the scars fade away, but not so with the mental anguish of such an experience. The stigma from wrongful accusation and imprisonment, the loss of trust in the justice system, the long-lasting mental and emotional distress, and the lack of resources to rebuild the shattered lives can be overwhelming.

The legal system is designed for punishment and not for rehabilitation. Only a handful of countries, like Norway, have justice systems founded on the ethos of rehabilitation and social reintegration. In the United States, for instance, the criminal justice system is a revolving door with a recidivism rate of over 70% within five years of release. The experience of wrongful conviction exacerbates this rate.

Furthermore, society often bears negative stereotypes of those who have served time in prison. The stigma associated with incarceration can lead to a person being ostracized from their community and even disowned by family members. The legal system’s lack of compensation and rehabilitation resources leaves those who have been wrongfully convicted without adequate tools for reintegration, making it difficult, if not impossible, for them to lead fully functional lives.

However, some organizations are working to help individuals recover from the trauma of wrongful imprisonment. There are legal aid groups and pro bono attorneys who help those who have been wrongfully convicted. Additionally, there are social programs and support systems for people who have been through the same ordeal. Such support networks can be instrumental in reintegrating individuals back into society. They provide emotional and social support, as well as training for job skills and other life skills, giving them a better chance at getting back into the community and leading a fulfilling life.

In conclusion, the trauma of imprisonment is damaging. It stays with a person for life and, in many instances, prevents them from reintegrating into society. However, with the right support systems and rehabilitation resources, such individuals can still lead productive and fulfilling lives. It's challenging, but it's not impossible. With the criminal justice system's shift towards rehabilitation over punishment, those who have been wrongfully convicted can have a better chance at recovering from their traumatic experience. It is not a task for one individual or organization, but a collective responsibility of prison reform advocates, lawmakers, social workers, and the wider community to see that rehabilitation is embraced over punishment. Justice must equally serve as a transformative and healing process that restores rather than further traumatises individuals.