NCJ Number
95964
Journal
Victimology Volume: 9 Issue: 2 Dated: (1984) Pages: 273-281
Date Published
1984
Length
9 pages
Annotation
In 1982 the Supreme Court of Kansas handed down a landmark decision establishing the admissibility of expert testimony on rape trauma syndrome. State v. Marks (1982) is reviewed and provides a framework for discussion of federal guidelines for admission of expert testimony.
Abstract
Judicial evaluation of the scientific respectability of research on sexual and physical trauma is addressed, and a brief review of methodologies to assess rape trauma syndrome is provided. The following issues are discussed for consideration in offering expert testimony in rape trauma syndrome: (1) relevant case law of the successful/unsuccessful use of expert testimony on the battered woman syndrome, (2) aspects of the victims's history, (3) effects of repeated examination on the victim, and (4) 'clinicalization' of the problem of rape. (Author abstract)