Wrongful Convictions Research Paper

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Wrongful conviction, a major issue in the criminal justice system, can be analyzed through various sociological perspectives. This paper will explore how wrongful conviction fits with functionalism, conflict theory, feminist theory, symbolic interactionism, and utilitarianism, also known as rational choice theory or exchange theory.

Functionalism is a sociological perspective that views society as a system of interconnected parts that work together to maintain stability and order. From a functionalist perspective, wrongful convictions can be seen as a breakdown in the criminal justice system's ability to function effectively. When innocent individuals are wrongly accused and convicted of crimes, it not only disrupts their lives, but also undermines the credibility of the justice system as a whole. This can lead to mistrust in institutions and a loss of social cohesion. …show more content…
Wrongful convictions can be understood through a conflict lens as a result of systemic injustices that disproportionately affect marginalized and disadvantaged groups. For example, racial minorities and low-income individuals are more likely to be wrongfully convicted due to bias and discrimination in the criminal justice system. This perpetuates existing social inequalities and reinforces power imbalances.

Feminist theory emphasizes the importance of gender in understanding social phenomena. Wrongful convictions can be analyzed from a feminist perspective by considering the ways in which gender norms and stereotypes influence the criminal justice system. Women, particularly marginalized women, may face unique challenges in the legal system that increase their likelihood of being wrongfully convicted. This highlights the need for a gender-sensitive approach to addressing wrongful convictions and promoting justice for all

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