Source: (2006) The Prison Journal. 86(4); 452-469.
Expunging a criminal conviction in the United States is a rare event and often
limited to persons who committed offenses as juveniles or adult misdemeanants.
Criminal convictions in Canada, however, are routinely set aside
through pardons after offenders have demonstrated a period of crime-free
behavior. Sealing an offender’s criminal record, the practice in Canada, is a
significant step in his or her reentry into society and official acknowledgment
of society’s forgiveness. This exploratory study of pardons in Canada has two
clear findings: First, despite the relatively easy process, few individuals with
criminal records make application for pardons. Second, of those who do
apply, few applications are ever denied, and a very small percentage of successful
applicants reoffend. Although setting aside criminal convictions
seems inconsistent with the increasing use of collateral consequences for
U.S. offenders, taking this approach might contribute to increased public
safety in the long term by easing offender reintegration.
Your donation helps Prison Fellowship International repair the harm caused by crime by emphasizing accountability, forgiveness, and making amends for prisoners and those affected by their actions. When victims, offenders, and community members meet to decide how to do that, the results are transformational.
Donate Now