Identification, Corroboration, and Charging: Examining the Use of DNA Evidence by Prosecutors in Sexual Assault Cases

• NCJ Number: 302434
• Journal: Feminist Criminology Dated: 2020
• Author(s): T. K. S. Henry; A. L. Jurek
• Date Published: 2020
• Grant Number(s): 2011-DN-BX-0002
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Award: Action Research to Enhance Investigations and Prosecutions of Sexual Assaults in Houston

Annotation

This study examined the influence of DNA evidence on prosecutorial decisions in sexual assault cases.

Abstract

Thirty-eight prosecutors experienced with prosecuting sexual violence cases were surveyed regarding the use of biological evidence in sexual assault cases, including the ways in which it is generally used, the cases in which it is most critical to have, and factors impacting case attrition. Results indicate that prosecutors perceive DNA evidence to be extremely valuable in prosecuting sexual assault cases. Several themes related to the perspective, context, process, and conditions under which DNA evidence plays a vital role in sexual assault case processing are identified. (publisher abstract modified)