Regional Seminar Series on Developing and Implementing Antistalking Codes

The seminars addressed three principal issues: whether the stalker's motivation should be considered in prosecuting a case, the role of psychological evaluation and counseling in handling and sentencing stalkers, and how to handle stalking cases in which the victim is unwilling or unable to cooperate with the prosecution. A profile of State stalking statutes considers the following components: stalking defined, threat required, intent provisions, course of conduct, sentencing, bail, special provisions, civil remedies, mental evaluation and civil commitment, and related laws. A review of stalking case law from State appellate court decisions focuses on court decisions in California, Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Illinois. The concluding chapter discusses using civil protective orders in stalking cases, eligibility for civil protective orders, enforcement of protective orders, and double jeopardy implications of protective orders. 38-item bibliography and appended model antistalking code and commentary