RT Article
T1 Forensic evidence in sexual assault laws: a content analysis of state statutes in the United States of America
JF Journal of crime and justice
VO 48
IS 4
SP 425
OP 444
A1 Fallik, Seth W.
A1 Hodges, Hannah
A1 Branscum, Caralin
A1 Garcia, Krystal
A1 Sun, Diana
A1 Dobrin, Adam
A1 Victory, Danielle
A2 Hodges, Hannah
A2 Branscum, Caralin
A2 Garcia, Krystal
A2 Sun, Diana
A2 Dobrin, Adam
A2 Victory, Danielle
LA English
YR 2025
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/193767357X
AB The collection of forensic evidence is perceived to be a panacea in sexual assault investigations and criminal prosecutions. However, research has shown an alarmingly different reality, whereby forensic evidence is rarely available, collected, tested, or available during criminal investigations and court procedures. Regardless, many states have begun implementing new policies to improve the collection and preservation of forensic evidence. This study explores the state of forensic evidence policies and legislation throughout the United States of America as they relate to sexual assaults through a content analysis of the nation’s state statutes. Following the 2016 legislative session statutes were found to be organized into two themes: 1) survivor-related statutes and 2) offender-related statutes. Though innovative forensic evidence policies were observed, much of this legislation appeared to be inconsistent with the reality of sexual assault and is best described as vague and inadequate. In view of these observations, this paper discusses policy implications and areas of future research.
K1 legal analysis
K1 Sexual Assault
K1 forensic evidence
DO 10.1080/0735648X.2024.2407815