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Abstract

Rape is unique among criminal cases. Unlike other case types, alleged victims in rape cases are essentially “on trial” as much as their alleged perpetrators: In their determination of whether rape occurred, jurors often consider information about the victim’s behavior prior to the alleged rape, including her sexual history, her attire, her consumption of alcohol, and whether she resisted sex. Jurors also consider characteristics of the alleged perpetrator (e.g., his physical attractiveness or social status) and the testimony of expert witnesses, who often testify regarding the somewhat controversial concept of rape trauma syndrome. But jurors’ characteristics matter, too: Attitudes associated with rape myth acceptance and endorsement of traditional gender roles predict jurors’ reactions to victims, perpetrators, and trial evidence. In reviewing empirical investigations of rape and the jury, this chapter asks and answers new questions that emerge in a culture increasingly aware of issues of nonconsensual sex. We emphasize variables that affect perceived credibility of victims and the reasons why victims might delay reporting their assault for prolonged periods of time. We also address the notion that increased cultural salience of rape might lead defendants to be presumed guilty before evidence is considered in court. Modern replication of classic studies of rape and the jury can continue to inform psychologists and legal professionals, and the dissemination of this research can help provide justice to victims and perpetrators.

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Correspondence to Peter O. Rerick .

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Rerick, P.O., Livingston, T.N., Davis, D. (2019). Rape and the Jury. In: O’Donohue, W.T., Schewe, P.A. (eds) Handbook of Sexual Assault and Sexual Assault Prevention. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23645-8_33

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