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                            Library & Multimedia
 Prosecutors' Perspectives on Biological Evidence and Injury Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
NCJ Number
              303995
Journal

*Journal of Interpersonal Violence* Volume: 36 Issue: 7-8 Dated: 2021 Pages: 3880-3902
Author(s)
          Megan Alderden;
                        Theodore P. Cross;
                        Maja Vlajni;
                        Laura Siller
Date Published

2021
Length
              23 pages
Annotation
              Since little prior research has explored how prosecutors perceive and use biological and injury evidence in sexual assault cases, the current qualitative study conducted semi-structured interviews with assistant district attorneys (ADAs) working in an urban district attorney’s office in the northeastern United States.
Abstract
              ADAs were asked to describe how biological and injury evidence could be probative and their strategies for using this evidence. The interviews suggest that prosecutors perceive the probative value of biological and injury evidence on a continuum, varying based on case characteristics. Prosecutors felt that undergoing a forensic medical examination supported victims’ credibility. Biological evidence bolstered victims’ credibility if it matched the victim’s account better than the defendant’s. They perceived DNA evidence as helpful when it identified unknown suspects, confirmed identification of suspects by other means, or rebutted defendants’ denial of sexual contact. DNA evidence was also helpful when victims were incapacitated, too traumatized to recall or talk about the assault, or too young to identify assailants, and when police used the information in interrogating suspects. The biggest limitation to biological evidence cited by prosecutors was overcoming the consent defense. The ADAs reported they used DNA evidence even when it was not particularly probative, because it confirms the correct person is being prosecuted; it communicates the victim’s and prosecution’s seriousness; and it meets jury expectations in trials. Prosecutors found injury evidence useful because it corroborated victims’ accounts and helped refute defendant claims of consensual sex. The findings may assist in educating others about biological and injury evidence in these cases and could inspire professionals and advocates to work to develop and support a broad range of investigative methods. (publisher abstract modified)
      
  
          Additional Details
Grant Number(s)
        2011-WG-BX-0005


  
  
        
  Agencies
        NIJ-Sponsored


  
  
        
  Publication Type
        Research (Applied/Empirical)


  
  
        
  Award
        Forensic Evidence and Criminal Justice Outcomes in a Statewide Sample of Sexual Assault Cases
    
  
  
Date Published: January 1, 2021
    
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      PatentsRelated Topics
        
                Sexual assault
        Prosecution
        Forensic sciences
        Evidence
        Rape and sexual assault



  
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