Bad laws or bad attitudes? Assessing the impact of societal attitudes upon the conviction rate for rape in Ireland

S. Leahy
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引用次数: 6

Abstract

The low conviction rate for rape is often highlighted as a cause for concern. The typical response is to call for reform of Irish rape law. Although reform is necessary, this article argues that the low conviction rate for rape is caused not simply by ‘bad’ or inadequate laws but also by ‘bad’ or prejudicial attitudes about rape which persist in Irish society. These attitudes are at odds with the reality of rape and therefore create unrealistic expectations as to what, for example, constitutes a ‘real rape’ or a ‘real victim’. Jurors who are influenced by these attitudes are likely to be unduly sceptical about allegations which do not match their stereotypical perceptions of rape. These prejudicial attitudes are usually referred to as ‘rape myths’. In this article, the most common ‘rape myths’ will be outlined. The effect of rape myth acceptance (RMA) on juror deliberations will then be discussed. It is suggested that non-legal initiatives are necessary to ensure that in future jurors will not be influenced by RMA. The article concludes by recommending the introduction of model jury directions which would tackle the ill-effects of rape myths upon juror deliberations at trial, as well as wider public awareness initiatives to educate the public generally about the reality of rape.
糟糕的法律还是糟糕的态度?评估社会态度对爱尔兰强奸定罪率的影响
强奸的低定罪率经常被强调为一个令人担忧的原因。典型的回应是呼吁改革爱尔兰强奸法。虽然改革是必要的,但本文认为,强奸定罪率低不仅是因为法律“不好”或不充分,还因为爱尔兰社会对强奸的“不好”或偏见态度一直存在。这些态度与强奸的现实不符,因此产生了不切实际的期望,例如,什么构成了“真正的强奸”或“真正的受害者”。受这些态度影响的陪审员很可能对与他们对强奸的刻板印象不符的指控持过度怀疑态度。这些偏见通常被称为“强奸神话”。在这篇文章中,最常见的“强奸神话”将被概述。然后将讨论强奸神话接受(RMA)对陪审员审议的影响。建议有必要采取非法律举措,以确保未来陪审员不会受到军事革命的影响。文章最后建议采用示范陪审团指示,以解决强奸神话对陪审员审判审议的不良影响,以及更广泛的公众意识倡议,以教育公众普遍了解强奸的现实。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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