Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Jacquin, Kristine M.

Committee Member

Armstrong, Kevin J.

Committee Member

Eakin, Deborah K.

Date of Degree

8-8-2009

Original embargo terms

MSU Only Indefinitely

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Campus Access Only

Major

Clinical Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Psychology

Abstract

Although rape is prevalent in the United States, conviction rates for perpetrators are low. Before developing a solution for low conviction rates in rape cases, researchers must examine factors that influence juror decisions in rape trials. The current study investigated the influence of complainant substance use and juror education about rape myths and sexual consent laws. Mock jurors were randomly assigned to one of twelve conditions and after reading the rape trial summary were asked to rate defendant guilt and complainant and defendant blameworthiness and credibility. Mock jurors in the education condition rated the defendant as significantly guiltier and more to blame for the sexual assault than did mock jurors in the no education condition.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/19449

Comments

juror perceptions||rape trial||complainant substance use||juror education||consent laws||rape myths

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