Effects Of Victim Behavior And Characteristics On Juror...

A number of studies have focused on the effects of victim behavior and characteristics on juror decisions. They have investigated the length and intimacy of the relationship between the victim and the offender, the type of resistance used by the victim, or the presence of alcohol prior to the rape as well as personal aspects of the victim, including: history of substance use, criminal record, sexual history, race, personality, physical attractiveness, socioeconomic status, gender, and previous sexual assault victimization (Angelone et al., 2015; Beichner Spohn, 2012; Dupuis Clay, 2013; Hammond et al., 2011; Landwehr et al., 2002; Maeder et al., 2015; Mazzella Feingold, 1994; Sims, Noel, Maisto, 2007; Sommer Kehn, 2015; Thornton Ryckman, 1983). While some of these studies have focused on the effect of one single variable, others have examined the effects of two or more variables to see if they might influence jurors’ judgments alone or simultaneously. As previously mentio ned, the current research will examine the combined effects of race, sexual experience, and presence of alcohol, thus a discussion of each individual characteristic is warranted. Race In the United States, race has played a long and significant role in the criminal justice system. Whether on topics of criminality, mass incarceration, arrests, sentencing, or the death penalty, the impact of race is often discussed. Race is also a considerable factor in rape and sexual assault cases. The 2008Show MoreRelatedBattered Women’s Syndrome Plea and a Defendants Financial Dependence: Evaluating Legal Decisions1383 Words   |  6 PagesAccording to recent research, characteristics associated with the syndrome form a standard that jurors use to judge battered women. 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