When a Son Steals Money From His Mother: Courtroom Perceptions of Elder Financial Exploitation

• NCJ Number: 243496
• Journal: Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect Volume: 25 Issue: 2 Dated: March - May 2013 Pages: 126-148
• Author(s): Jonathan M. Golding, Ph.D.; Emily C. Hodell, Ph.D.; Emily E. Dunlap, M.S.; Nesa E. Wasarhaley, M.S.; Peggy S. Keller, Ph.D.
• Date Published: April 2013
• Length: 23 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Case Study
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The perception of elder financial exploitation was investigated using community members (N = 104) and undergraduates (N = 143).

Abstract

The perception of elder financial exploitation was investigated using community members (N = 104) and undergraduates (N = 143). Participants read an exploitation trial summary; an 85-year-old victim accused her son of stealing her money. Primary results indicated that alleged victims described as healthy rendered more guilty verdicts than those described as having a cognitive deficit; pro-victim judgments were higher for women than men; and younger and older community members' rendered more guilty verdicts than middle-aged mock jurors. The results are discussed in terms of the factors that impact the perception of exploitation in court. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.