Why Should a State Compensate the Wrongly Convicted?
Despite their proven innocence, the difficulty of reentering society is profound for the wrongfully convicted; the failure to compensate them adds insult to injury. Society has an obligation to promptly provide compassionate assistance to the wrongfully convicted in the following ways: • Monetary Compensation, Based Upon a Set Minimum Amount For Each Year Served • Provision of Immediate Services, Including: – Financial support for basic necessities, including subsistence funds, food, transportation, etc.; – Help securing affordable housing; – Provision of medical/dental care, & psychological and/or counseling services; – Assistance with the development of workforce skills; and – Legal services to obtain public benefits, expunge criminal records, and regain custody of children. • Official Acknowledgement of a Wrongful ConvictionConceding that no system is perfect, the government’s public recognition of the harm inflicted upon a wrongfully convicted person helps to foster his healing pro
