In this study, we evaluate the impact of rape law reforms on reports of rape and the processing of rape cases in six urban jurisdictions -- Detroit, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Houston, and Washington, D.C. Our results strongly suggest that the ability of rape reform legislation to affect case outcomes is limited. Time-series analyses revealed that predicted results were found in only one of the six jurisdictions, and there the results were limited. 9 figures, 2 tables, 19 notes, and 45 references (Publisher's abstract)
Rape Law Reform and Instrumental Change in Six Urban Jurisdictions
NCJ Number
132134
Journal
Law and Society Review Volume: 25 Issue: 1 Dated: (1991) Pages: 117-153
Date Published
1991
Length
37 pages
Annotation
Concerns about the treatment of rape victims and attrition in rape cases prompted a nationwide movement to reform State rape laws.
Abstract
Date Published: January 1, 1991