| סיכום: | <p>This thesis examines the lived experiences of prisoners who believe themselves to be wrongfully convicted. It is based on the written accounts of sixty-four prisoners who are currently maintaining innocence and offers a comparison to their ‘rightly’ convicted counterparts, as evidenced in the academic literature. What these accounts illustrate is that although this population do largely adjust to the prison environment, their experiences are constantly framed by notions of injustice and illegitimacy and it is these feelings that become the lens through which they navigate prison life. </p>
<p>These people are adept at tailoring their coping strategies to suit their unique situation. Through campaigning, subtle acts of resistance, and refusal to internalise the criminal label, they are able to signal their discontent and significant resentment. Relationships too, are capable of being moulded to meet their needs. Although participants appear relatively solitary, remaining on the fringes of the prison social system and maintaining distinctions between themselves and the ‘criminals’ they are forced to live with, they create unique support networks. Such networks are dominated by prisoners who similarly maintain their innocence and charitable organisations, and draw heavily on the considerable support offered by their families.</p>
<p>There are, however, institutional consequences to maintaining innocence within the prison environment. A myriad of areas, ranging from everyday living conditions, risk assessment, progression, and ultimately parole, are all impacted by claims of wrongful conviction. As this thesis illustrates, such a position is often inconsistent with Prison Service Orders and Instructions. Relatedly, there also appears to be a distinct lack of support and a pressure to ‘admit’ guilt displayed by certain members of staff. Nevertheless, due to lack of viable alternatives and a desire to obtain release at the earliest opportunity, these prisoners must engage with the prison authorities and are thus required to work within a system that is not designed for them and largely ignores their needs.</p>
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