NCJ Number
113360
Journal
Response Volume: 10 Issue: 4 Dated: (1987) Pages: 3-8
Date Published
1987
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This study examined the impact of changes in rape law and related criminal justice practices in Florida, Georgia, and Michigan by surveying criminal justice personnel in those States.
Abstract
The research was based on interviews with 151 practitioners in six cities (two cities in each of the three States). The interviews involved police, prosecutors, judges, defense attorneys, and victim advocates. The interviews focused on respondents' perspectives of the impacts of rape shield laws, the elimination of the corroboration requirement, the redefinition of criminal acts, and the redefinition of force and change in resistance standards. Defense attorneys were much more negative about the shield law than were the other respondent groups. Most respondents reported that removing the corroboration requirement has increased the likelihood the prosecutor would accept the case, increased the likelihood of conviction, and encouraged victims to cooperate with the prosecution. The majority of respondents also believed the redefinition of criminal acts has had positive effects for both victims and the criminal justice system. Most respondents viewed redefined force and a change in resistance standards as having had positive results for rape victims and the criminal justice system. 7 tables.