The Electronic ‘‘Scarlet Letter’’: Criminal Backgrounding and a Perpetual

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Daniel S. Murphy Ph.D., Professor Emeritus (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: Crimes are multifaceted events that are not adequately explained with basic descriptors, yet a considerable amount of significance is afforded to relatively few simplistic labels that make up the contemporary ‘‘scarlet letter.’’ Today’s criminal records create a lifetime of stigmatization for a person. These public records employ a limited range of information. By acknowledging the deleterious effects of even one documented criminal event on an individual’s self-concept and status in society, we cannot avoid being faced with a serious moral dilemma in light of society’s prevalent reliance upon electronic criminal records. The electronic brand carried for life poses great challenges to offender rehabilitation and reintegration.

Additional Information

Publication
DANIEL S. MURPHY, BRIAN FULEIHAN, STEPHEN C. RICHARDS, RICHARD S. JONES(2011) The Electronic ‘‘Scarlet Letter’’: Criminal Backgrounding and a Perpetual Spoiled Identity. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation ( 50: 3, 101-118) ISSN(1050-9674) DOI (10.1080/10509674)
Language: English
Date: 2011
Keywords
, convict, criminology, electronic, criminal, record, labeling, spoiled, identity,

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