Forensic evidence in sexual assault laws: a content analysis of state statutes in the United States of America
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...
| Autores principales: | ; ; ; ; ; ; |
|---|---|
| Tipo de documento: | Electrónico Artículo |
| Lenguaje: | Inglés |
| Publicado: |
2025
|
| En: |
Journal of crime and justice
Año: 2025, Volumen: 48, Número: 4, Páginas: 425-444 |
| Acceso en línea: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
| Verificar disponibilidad: | HBZ Gateway |
| Palabras clave: |
| Sumario: | 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. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2158-9119 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/0735648X.2024.2407815 |
