In Wrongful Conviction in Sexual Assault, Matthew Barry Johnson introduces new directions in wrongful conviction research and understanding. Citing Innocence Project and National Registry of Exoneration data, the book identifies sexual assault as the predominant offense type associated with confirmed wrongful convictions in the US. Johnson outlines the differential risk of wrongful conviction associated with stranger rape, acquaintance rape, and intra-familial child sexual abuse. He also introduces new terms and concepts such as "black box" investigation, illustrating the lack of transparency in the production of prosecution evidence; a four-part stranger rape thesis; and the "moral outrage - moral correction" process that results in cognitive and emotional factors that interfere with the evaluation of criminal evidence. The book also includes chapters on racial bias in rape prosecution, and the relationship of serial sex offending to wrongful conviction. Citing both foundational and newly-introduced conviction research, Johnson illustrates unexamined aspects of well-known wrongful conviction cases (i.e. The Central Park Five, Steve Avery, Ronald Cotton, The Norfolk Four) and presents the lessons from lesser known wrongful convictions. Wrongful Conviction in Sexual Assault provides valuable new perspectives and insight for psychologists, defense lawyers, prosecutors, crime investigators, and social justice scholars.

"I found a well-evidenced, fascinating and important book" - Gethin Rees, Wrongful Conviction Law Review, Vol 2 no 3

"...he convincingly illustrates the underappreciated dangers to innocent persons that our current approach to the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault crimes all-too-often triggers. Johnson's findings deserve the attention of scholars of both sexual assault and wrongful convictions, as well as legal reformers." - Russell D. Covey, Georgia State University College of Law, Rutgers

"A fascinating and disturbing account of sexual assault convictions ... The book is a difficult but necessary read." - K. Evans, CHOICE

"The value of Wrongful Conviction is extensive, with a clear utility for assessment, clinical work, and research addressing pretrial and trial evaluations, postconviction appeals and public policy ... Wrongful Conviction is an excellent consolidation of Johnson's robust body of previous work along with his demonstrated record of legislative success to provide a book easily comprehended and soundly applied." - Anthony F. Tasso, NJ Psychologist

"Wrongful Conviction in Sexual Assault is an important read. As the global world attempts to address racial justice, such an in-depth book that discusses the multi-dimensions of wrongful criminal convictions contributes to this progress. Johnson provides a thorough and rigorous analysis, which lends to building new models of addressing the inherent flaws that lead to disparate treatment within the criminal justice system."" - William T. Hoston, PhD, Associate Dean and Professor of Political Science, Prairie View A&M University

"Wrongful Conviction in Sexual Assault unravels the unique legal and social context, the biases, challenges, and misconceptions that surround sexual crimes, both in the public eye and in investigative and legal practices, and that make it particularly prone to wrongful arrests and convictions. A thorough analysis of the current issues, research, and justice reform needs. A must read for social scientists and criminal justice professionals alike."" - Dr. Marina Sorochinski, Investigative Psychologist, Professor of Criminal Justice, St. John's University, NY

"As a leading advocate and exoneree, I know firsthand the stigma and obstacles faced by those wrongfully convicted of sexual assaults. In Wrongful Conviction in Sexual Assault, Dr. Johnson presents the different wrongful conviction risks associated with various types of sexual assault cases, while exploring the role of the media, race, and other causes of wrongful conviction. Readers are exposed to the basic issues in the field of wrongful conviction and then introduced to Dr. Johnson's new contributions. The case illustrations are clear, comprehensive, and compelling. If you did not have a good grasp of wrongful criminal conviction before reading this book, you will afterwards. Read it!!"" - Jeffrey Deskovic, MA, JD; Founder-The Jeffrey Deskovic Foundation for Justice; Advisory Board Member- It Could Happen To You; Global Advisory Council- Restorative Justice International

"This timely book is a must for anyone interested in bias, racism, wrongful conviction and the (mis)use of science. It is a wake-up call to bring science, transparency and justice to the criminal justice system"" - Dr. Itiel Dror, Cognitive Neuroscientist, University College London