Yes, California has a compensation program for individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned. The program is administered by the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB).

Under the California Penal Code Section 4900, individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and imprisoned may be eligible for compensation from the state. The compensation can include a variety of damages, including lost wages, medical expenses, and damages for pain and suffering.

To be eligible for compensation, the wrongfully convicted individual must have:

• Been convicted of a felony and sentenced to prison
• Had the conviction overturned or be granted a pardon based on innocence
• Not contributed to their own arrest or conviction
• Not been involved in the commission of the crime for which they were convicted

The compensation amount varies based on a number of factors, such as the length of imprisonment and the severity of harm suffered, and can range from $50,000 to $140,000 per year of wrongful imprisonment, up to a maximum of $5 million.

It’s important to note that the process for applying for compensation can be complex and lengthy, and requires a significant amount of documentation and evidence. It is advisable to seek the assistance of an attorney or an organization that specializes in helping wrongfully convicted individuals navigate the compensation process.

Currently, 38 states plus the District of Columbia have statutes to compensate exonerees for their wrongful convictions, but the process can take years and varies across states. The National Registry of Exonerations estimates about 41 percent of those who have sought compensation through the states have been paid.

It is certainly unfortunate that the compensation process for exonerees can be lengthy and inconsistent across states. The fact that only 41 percent of those who have sought compensation have been paid is indeed concerning and suggests that improvements are needed to ensure that exonerees receive the compensation they are entitled to in a timely manner.

There are many factors that can contribute to the slow and inconsistent compensation process, such as limited resources, bureaucratic hurdles, and political resistance. In some cases, the laws governing compensation may be overly restrictive or may fail to account for the full range of damages suffered by exonerees.

However, it’s important to note that many states are working to improve their compensation programs and streamline the process. Some states have passed laws to increase the compensation amounts, expand eligibility criteria, or provide additional support services to exonerees. There are also organizations and advocacy groups working to raise awareness of the issue and push for reforms at the state and federal level.

While there is still much work to be done, the fact that more than half of the states now have compensation statutes in place is a positive step towards ensuring that exonerees receive the support and justice they deserve.

What can an economist do on a pro bono basis to help this cause?

There are several ways in which an economist can contribute to the cause of helping exonerees on a pro bono basis. Here are a few examples:

1. Conduct research: An economist can conduct research to help identify the economic and social impacts of wrongful convictions and the effectiveness of compensation programs in addressing these impacts. For example, an economist can conduct a cost-benefit analysis of compensation programs to determine whether the benefits of compensating exonerees outweigh the costs. They can also analyze the economic impact of wrongful convictions on individuals, families, and communities, including lost wages, medical expenses, and mental health issues. This research can be used to inform policy and advocacy efforts, such as pushing for improvements to compensation programs or raising public awareness of the impacts of wrongful convictions.
2. Provide expert testimony: An economist can provide expert testimony in legal proceedings related to wrongful convictions and compensation. For example, they can testify in court about the economic damages suffered by an exoneree, including lost wages and other financial losses. They can also provide analysis and insights about the broader economic and social impacts of wrongful convictions. Expert testimony from an economist can be especially powerful in making the case for fair and just compensation for exonerees.
3. Volunteer with advocacy organizations: Many advocacy organizations focused on helping exonerees and reforming the criminal justice system rely on volunteers to help with research, policy analysis, and advocacy efforts. An economist can volunteer their time and expertise to support these organizations. For example, they can help with data analysis, develop policy proposals, or provide economic analysis of legislative proposals. By volunteering with advocacy organizations, an economist can use their skills to make a meaningful contribution to the cause of justice and help to make a positive impact in the lives of exonerees.
4. Teach and educate: An economist can use their expertise to teach and educate others about the economic and social impacts of wrongful convictions and the importance of compensation for exonerees. For example, they can speak at conferences or public events to raise awareness of the issue and promote policy changes. They can also write articles or op-eds for newspapers and online publications to reach a wider audience. Additionally, they can work with community organizations or schools to provide educational resources and training to help people understand the economic and social implications of wrongful convictions. By teaching and educating others, an economist can help to raise awareness of the issue and promote a more informed and engaged public discourse.

Overall, there are many ways in which an economist can use their expertise to contribute to the cause of helping exonerees on a pro bono basis. By lending their time and expertise, economists can help to advance the cause of justice and promote a fairer and more equitable society.