Law Reform in the Prevention and Treatment of Rape

摘要

The study examines the impact of a rape law reform on the criminal justice system in the State of Michigan. The sample consists of approximately 17 counties in Michigan that vary with respect to crime rate, rural-urban characteristics, and level of anti-rape activism. The impact of a reformed law on crime statistics as well as on the practices of prosecuting attorneys, judges, and defense attorneys is being investigated. The influence of women's rights organizations and assault crisis centers on the implementation of the reformed law also is being examined. The results should be helpful to those concerned with legislative reform as a social change mechanism in the prevention and control of rape.