What link does Stevenson draw between poverty and wrongful convictions?

• A. Poverty has no impact on wrongful convictions
• B. Poverty leads to greater access to legal resources
• C. Poverty exacerbates wrongful convictions due to lack of quality legal representation
• D. Poverty is less significant than racial discrimination in wrongful convictions

Answer: (C)

Stevenson highlights the connection between poverty and wrongful convictions by emphasizing that individuals who cannot afford quality legal representation are at a significant disadvantage in the legal system. When defendants are poor, they often rely on overworked public defenders who may lack the resources or time necessary to effectively defend them. This lack of adequate legal support increases the likelihood of wrongful convictions, as defendants may not receive a proper defense or have access to necessary investigative resources.

Moreover, individuals from impoverished backgrounds are more likely to be vulnerable to the biases and systemic flaws within the criminal justice system, which further heightens the risk of being wrongfully convicted. Stevenson argues that addressing these disparities in legal representation is crucial for achieving justice, as the lack of resources available to the poor is a persistent factor that contributes to the problem of wrongful convictions. This understanding underscores the urgent need for reforms aimed at ensuring fair legal support for all, regardless of economic status.