cjrc-sponsored research

  • Project:
  • Rape Law Reform: The Influence of Feminist Strength, Racial Threat and Political Ideology

  • Investigator:
  • Aubrey Jackson (Sociology)

  • Abstract:
  • Despite considerable attention to the symbolic importance and efficacy of rape law reforms, statistical analyses have not clearly identified the factors that explain changes to state criminal codes. Feminist rape legislation is largely attributed to feminist initiatives, but the effects of minority threat, political ideology, and law and order political party strength have not been explored. Furthermore, discrepant changes across states and time have not been explained. This research examines the influence of these social, racial, and political factors on rape statutes. The prediction is that feminist statutes, or statutes that help prosecutors reach equitable plea bargains, are more likely not only where feminist strength is at higher levels, but also where there are greater levels of minority threat, a more conservative political ideology, and greater Republican political strength.