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Characteristics of False Allegation Adult Crimes

NCJ Number
240269
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 57 Issue: 3 Dated: May 2012 Pages: 643-646
Author(s)
James J. McNamara, M.S.; Sean McDonald, Psy.D.; Jennifer M. Lawrence, M.A.
Date Published
May 2012
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study identified common factors in false allegation adult crimes, by examining the dynamics involved in 30 confirmed false allegation cases.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify common factors in false allegation adult crimes, by examining the dynamics involved in 30 confirmed false allegation cases. The authors conducted a comprehensive review of these adjudicated cases and then completed a collection instrument to capture offender demographics, offense characteristics, and motive. The results indicated that most false allegation crimes were committed by women (73.3 percent) and Caucasians (93.3 percent). Data indicated that more interpersonally violent allegations were primarily motivated by attention/sympathy needs (50.0 percent), whereas more impersonal offenses involved other motivations such as providing an alibi (16.7 percent) or profit (13.3 percent). Offenders tended to be younger, high school graduates with no higher education (43.3 percent). A total of 23.3 percent of offenders had a prior criminal history. Male offenders appeared as likely as women to be motivated by attention/sympathy; however, men tended to select more violent, nonsexual offenses (e.g., attempted murder) than women. Abstract published by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons.