NCJ Number
138544
Journal
Hamline Law Review Volume: 15 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1991) Pages: 115-166
Date Published
1992
Length
42 pages
Annotation
Using the perspectives of both prosecutors and victim advocates, this article examines the cultural context of domestic violence, the history of efforts by victim advocates to change the criminal justice system's response to the problem, and issues related to the prosecution and disposition of these cases.
Abstract
Domestic violence affects a substantial proportion of women. Because of deeply ingrained cultural attitudes, courts have long been reluctant to intervene in domestic violence. These attitudes still pervade the thinking of many who are currently responsible for setting policy in this area. The traditional legal responses have failed to protect victims adequately. The shelter movement became a catalyst for change, however, and Minnesota has made extensive legal and program changes. To be effective, prosecutors must understand the basic dynamics of abusive domestic relationships. They must also carefully examine and address the issues at each stage of case processing, including charging, evidentiary problems, methods of presenting evidence at trial, and cooperation with other elements of the system. Footnotes and appended definitions and prosecution guidelines from Duluth, Minnesota