NCJ Number
97706
Date Published
1985
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study, undertaken to assess the effectiveness of rape reform legislation, measures attrition and conviction rates from 1975 to 1977 in one Michigan jurisdiction (Kalamazoo County) operating under the model Criminal Sexual Conduct Code and compares the results to those of traditional law jurisdictions.
Abstract
Findings show that prosecutors authorized police-requested charges 46 percent of the time, while they denied requests or dropped cases at intake in 54 percent of the cases. The acquittal rate for authorized cases was 22 percent; the conviction rate, 73 percent. Over half of these convictions were the result of plea negotiations as opposed to trial. Further, analysis of Detroit data for pre- and post-reform years (1973 and 1975 to 1979, respectively) suggests that the law had a favorable impact on overall case mortality and convictions. Further comparisons of the two Michigan jurisdiction rates after reform to three basically traditional rape law jurisdictions (Washnigton, D.C., Kansas City, and Seattle) strengthen the viability of such an interpretation. A measure of success in the implementation of the model code was evident in lower attrition of cases. In addition, the removal of unique and discriminatory requirements and standards in the 1974 Michigan statute can be seen as effective, because higher conviction rates were achievable. While legislative reforms mark progress, alone they cannot rectify the inequitable treatment of rape victims. Two tables and 39 notes are included.