Of respondents, a majority felt that the media was the most effective way to reach the public on protective services and court abuses. However, only 14 percent felt the media had done a good job of reporting, and 52 percent felt the media's coverage was biased, sensationalistic, or fearful of the courts. Although 48 percent were released on their own recognizance, all felt they posed no danger to victim or community, and 18 percent voiced concern over the uneveness of bail-setting. Almost all falsely charged individuals experienced trauma in personal health, family relationships, and employment or welfare dependency. Of the sample, 64 percent felt protective service workers required more training in interviewing and evidence collection, 44 percent felt workers were unskilled, and 16 percent felt workers were biased. While 38 percent felt their lawyers were skillful, 14 percent felt they were not aggressive enough; 50 percent recommended the use of out-of-town lawyers and expert witnesses. A majority of the sample also recommended increased training of police and prosecutors as a means to reduce unnecessary victimization of falsely accused defendants. Results highlight the need for greater emphasis on the protection of the rights of the accused. 103 references.