ABSTRACT
Introduction ...........................................................................................................81 Literature Review ................................................................................................. 82
Three Types of Responses to Assist the Wrongfully Convicted .......... 83 An Administrative Response to the Wrongfully Convicted ................ 83
The Missouri Problem ......................................................................................... 84 The Project ............................................................................................................ 85
Reviewing the Instrument......................................................................... 86 Barriers to Implementation ....................................................................... 86
Future Political Opportunities ........................................................................... 87 Appendix A: A Draft Act .................................................................................... 87 Appendix B: Compensation and Needs Assessment ...................................... 89 Appendix C: Payment for Needs ........................................................................ 90 References ...............................................................................................................91 Cases Cited .............................................................................................................91
Nationally, a growing number of persons have been exonerated and released after serving years in prison for crimes they did not commit. The Death Penalty Information Center reports that, to date, 126 persons have been released from death rows with evidence of their actual innocence. More often than not, these persons exit the institution with just a bus ticket and suit of clothes. Ironically, if they had been guilty and then released from prison they would at least have a parole officer with whom to meet to assist in finding a job and finding shelter. Unfortunately, there are no good options for assisting these exonerated persons with reintegration back into society because the legal system is set up not to take responsibility for their predicament and hence not accept the obligation to assist in their restoration (Burnett, 2005).
