Prosecution Strategies in Domestic Violence Felonies: Telling the Story of Domestic Violence, Executive Summary

摘要

Evidentiary constraints, myths and misconceptions about domestic violence, women's perceived lack of credibility, and a tendency to view domestic violence cases as less serious than stranger assaults all present significant challenges to prosecuting domestic violence related cases. This study identified the trial strategies used by the prosection and defense in domestic violence related felony cases. Trial strategies were identified by examining the trial transcripts of a sample of 40 domestic violence-related murder and non-murder felonies in the state of Iowa. Cases were analyzed to determine general prosecution and defense themes and strategies.