Applications of Battered Woman Syndrome Evidence in the Courtroom (From Violence and the Law, P 113-134, 1994, Mark Costanzo and Stuart Oskamp, eds. -- See NCJ-150373)

• NCJ Number: 150379
• Author(s): R A Schuller
• Date Published: 1994
• Length: 22 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Although the use of evidence regarding the battered woman syndrome in trials of abused women who kill has been hailed as a significant advance for battered women, it has limitations and its actual impact on the decisionmaking process has been mixed.

Abstract

The studies by Finkel, Follingstad, and their colleagues have revealed little direct impact on the decision process. In contrast, the author's research indicated that the presence of the testimony did lead to interpretations that were more favorable to the woman's case. Since the introduction of such research into the courtroom, many additional questions have been raised. Therefore, future research must address the concerns and potential shortcomings that have been raised regarding the use of this testimony, particularly considering the important role this testimony can have in the lives of individual women and its broader implications for public understanding of spouse abuse. Table, notes, and 54 references