THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACTS OF WRONGFUL ACCUSATIONS

On May 1st, hosts Keith Carnes and Latahra Smith Carnes talk with exonerees from all over the United States.  They met while attending the Innocence Network 2023 Conference which brings together directly impacted people, advocates, and others who work to free the innocent, prevent wrongful conviction, and provide post-release support. This annual conference promotes learning and growth through educational programming, relationship-building, collective action, and healing. Together, persons celebrate victories, strategize around challenges, and recommit to fighting for a more just future.

https://metroconnections.swoogo.com/innocencenetwork-annualcon-0423/welcome

Keith and Latahra’s guests will include Chris Miller, Ohio, Johnetta Carr, Kentucky, Stephen Pina, Boston and Larry Smith Jr., Michigan.  With the exception of Stephen Pina, they are listed in the National Registry of Exonerees, an ongoing project of the University of California Irvine Newkirk Center for Science & Society, University of Michigan Law School & Michigan State University College of Law.

https://www.law.umich.edu/special/exoneration/Pages/casedetail.aspx?caseid=5349#

As does the Innocence Network, we value diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments and endeavor to create a safe space rooted in compassion and respect for persons treated unjustly by the criminal justice system.

The Michigan Law Review states that wrongfully convicted people often experience feelings of “bitterness, feelings of loss, hopelessness, emptiness, anger and aggression, helplessness, [and] chronic feelings of threat and fear when out in public.”  Being wrongfully accused of criminal offences can lead to serious negative consequences to those wrongfully accused and their families. However, there is little research on the psychological and psychosocial impacts of wrongful accusations.

On Jaws of Justice, we examine how to find justice in our society.  Justice will not be served until those who are unaffected are as outraged as those who are.

Calendar for the week of May 1st:

  • Legal Aid of Western Missouri can provide free legal assistance to low-income and vulnerable Jackson County homeowners who fall behind on their payments and face foreclosure. Interested individuals can call 816-474-6750 to apply.
  • You can find Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense events at org. Open to all, Mothers and others!
  • The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center declares May 1 – May 7, 2023, a National Week of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women to call the nation and the world to action. You can find events in your area.
  • MON, May 1st, between 6:45 PM and 8:45 PM, Kansas City Criminal Justice Task Force (KCCJTC) has a meeting via conference call. If you would like to join in, you can call 605-313-5573 and when asked for code then enter 454777
  • THURS, May 4th, 5 PM, is the Community Justice Coalition (CJC) virtual meeting. The CJC is a multi-sector team of dedicated advocates who envision a future without mass incarceration. Access info at https://empowermissouri.org/events/may-4th-community-justice-coalition-meeting/
  • SAT, May 6th, 2 PM, Poets for Peace with poets, spoken word artists, social justice activists, and food, is a benefit show for PeaceWorks KC at Blip Roasters, 1301 Woodswether Road, KCMO, in the West Bottoms. This poetry sharing promotes PeaceWorks’ annual Memorial Day protest of nuclear weapon production in KC MO. Poets for Peace is the first event of its kind in KC. Love offering: $5 suggested
  • SUN, May 7th, 3 PM, doors open at 2:30, Douglas CTY Justice Matters Action Assembly will be a large gathering at the Lied Center, 1600 Stewart AVE, Lawrence KS,  Show up.  It takes all of us.
  • A list of services, meals, and hot lines are available at lawrenceprogressivecalendar.blogspot.com. It is updated daily.

 

Please take care of yourselves and others. Thanks to all our listeners, stay close to your dial and stay well!

 

 


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