Educational Resources

Understanding Legal Misconduct

Comprehensive information about prosecutorial misconduct, prison abuse, and the systems designed to protect those who speak out against injustice.

The Scale of the Problem

Understanding the scope of legal misconduct in America

3,800+
Exonerations Since 1989
Wrongful convictions overturned and documented nationwide since 1989
Source: National Registry of Exonerations
70%+
Involved Official Misconduct
Of recent exonerations involved misconduct by police or prosecutors
Source: National Registry of Exonerations (2024–25)
62%
Staff Abuse Unreported
Of staff-on-inmate sexual abuse is not reported to authorities by victims
Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics (2019–20)

Educational Topics

Learn about different types of legal misconduct and how to identify them

Prosecutorial Misconduct

Understanding prosecutorial abuse of power and how to identify it

Prison Misconduct

Recognizing abuse and violations of rights within correctional facilities

Double Victimization

Two forms: crime victims re-traumatized by the system, and the wrongfully convicted who are further abused in prison

Anti-Retaliation Protection

How our multi-party system protects whistleblowers and reporters

Quick Reference Guide

Essential information about legal misconduct and protection

What is Legal Misconduct?

Legal misconduct encompasses various forms of abuse of power within the justice system, including prosecutorial misconduct and prison abuse. These violations undermine the integrity of our legal system and can cause severe harm to individuals and communities.

Our platform focuses on two primary areas: prosecutorial misconduct (abuse of power by prosecutors) and prison misconduct (violations of rights within correctional facilities).

Report Misconduct

Roles, Layers & Witnesses

Accountability works because different people play different parts. Understanding each role helps you know who is on your side and how a report moves forward.

Reporters

People directly affected — incarcerated individuals, families, and witnesses. They file reports, track status, message the review team, and invite witnesses.

Advocates & Helpers

Vetted helpers and attorneys, approved by staff, who are assigned to cases with the reporter’s consent, add case notes, and help move cases forward.

Partner Organizations

Legal aid groups, watchdogs, oversight bodies, and press. With consent, reports are shared with them; they acknowledge receipt and post updates.

Administrators

Platform staff who review reports, approve advocate and partner accounts, forward cases to the right bodies, and safeguard the platform.

Layers of Accountability

How a report travels from filing to real-world impact

  1. 1Filing — a reporter documents the misconduct in as much detail as possible.
  2. 2Staff review — administrators verify, categorize, and keep the reporter updated.
  3. 3Advocate support — with consent, a vetted advocate is assigned to help.
  4. 4Partner forwarding — reports are shared with oversight bodies, creating a paper trail that deters retaliation.
  5. 5Witness corroboration — invited witnesses confirm what happened, strengthening the record.

The Role of Witnesses

Corroboration turns a single account into a documented case

A witness is anyone who saw, heard, or has knowledge of the misconduct — another incarcerated person, a family member, staff, or a professional. Their corroboration adds weight and credibility to a report.

  • Reporters invite witnesses by email through a secure, private link — no account required.

  • Witnesses can confirm the account and add their own statement — or decline.

  • Witnesses only see the limited context needed to respond — never the full report or personal details.

Ready to Take Action?

If you've witnessed or experienced legal misconduct, our secure platform is here to help you report it safely.