Part 4/8:
A widespread misconception exists that exonerees are awarded large payouts after wrongful convictions. In reality, such cases are the exception rather than the rule. Most exonerees cannot file civil lawsuits because their wrongful imprisonment was not necessarily caused by malicious actions of law enforcement or officials, but often by systemic failures. To succeed in a lawsuit, they must prove that misconduct directly led to their wrongful conviction—a high and often unachievable burden.
This structural inadequacy leaves exonerees with little to no financial or social support after release. The lack of formalized programs and the complex legal barriers mean many are left to navigate a society that no longer aligns with their experiences or needs.