DOCSLIB.ORG

The Impact of Gender Stereotypes on Mock Juror Perceptions

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Impact of Gender Stereotypes on Mock Juror Perceptions University of Kentucky UKnowledge University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations Graduate School 2010 WHEN BATTERED PERSONS KILL: THE IMPACT OF GENDER STEREOTYPES ON MOCK JUROR PERCEPTIONS Emily Catherine Hodell University of Kentucky, [email protected] Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits ou.y Recommended Citation Hodell, Emily Catherine, "WHEN BATTERED PERSONS KILL: THE IMPACT OF GENDER STEREOTYPES ON MOCK JUROR PERCEPTIONS" (2010). University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations. 21. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/gradschool_diss/21 This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION Emily Catherine Hodell The Graduate School University of Kentucky 2010 WHEN BATTERED PERSONS KILL: THE IMPACT OF GENDER STEREOTYPES ON MOCK JUROR PERCEPTIONS _______________________________________ ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION _______________________________________ A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Psychology at the University of Kentucky By Emily Catherine Hodell Lexington, Kentucky Director: Dr. Jonathan M. Golding, Professor of Psychology Lexington, Kentucky 2010 Copyright Emily Catherine Hodell 2010 ABSTRACT OF DISSERTATION WHEN BATTERED PERSONS KILL: THE IMPACT OF GENDER STEREOTYPES ON MOCK JUROR PERCEPTIONS The present experiment investigated the role of gender stereotypes in cases in which a battered person kills his or her abuser. Regression analysis revealed an overall gender bias such that mock jurors were more likely to convict a man defendant who had killed his abusive wife than they were when a woman defendant who had killed her husband. Mediational analyses indicated that the relationship between abuser gender and verdict was partially mediated by sympathy toward the victim, and fully mediated by sympathy toward the defendant. Regression analysis also revealed an effect of abuser height, such that conviction rates were higher when an abuser was taller than his or her partner, regardless of abuser gender. Though not significant, trends suggested the act of killing an abusive partner was perceived as a protective act toward the child. Overall, the present study provides evidence that gender biases exist in cases in which a battered person kills his or her abuser. KEYWORDS: Juror Perceptions, Intimate Partner Violence, Battered Women Who Kill Their Abusers, Gender Stereotypes, Self Defense ___Emily C. Hodell____________________ Student’s Signature ___July 15th, 2010_____________________ Date WHEN BATTERED PERSONS KILL: THE IMPACT OF GENDER STEREOTYPES ON MOCK JUROR PERCEPTIONS By Emily Catherine Hodell ______Jonathan M. Golding, Ph.D.____________ Director of Dissertation ________David Berry, Ph.D._________________ Director of Graduate Studies RULES FOR THE USE OF DISSERTATIONS Unpublished dissertations submitted for the Doctor's degree and deposited in the University of Kentucky Library are as a rule open for inspection, but are to be used only with due regard to the rights of the authors. Bibliographical references may be noted, but quotations or summaries of parts may be published only with the permission of the author, and with the usual scholarly acknowledgments. Extensive copying or publication of the dissertation in whole or in part also requires the consent of the Dean of the Graduate School of the University of Kentucky. A library that borrows this dissertation for use by its patrons is expected to secure the signature of each user. Name Date DISSERTATION Emily Catherine Hodell The Graduate School University of Kentucky 2010 WHEN BATTERED PERSONS KILL: THE IMPACT OF GENDER STEREOTYPES ON MOCK JUROR PERCEPTIONS _______________________________________ DISSERTATION _______________________________________ A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Psychology at the University of Kentucky By Emily Catherine Hodell Lexington, Kentucky Director: Dr. Jonathan M. Golding, Professor of Psychology Lexington, Kentucky 2010 Copyright Emily Catherine Hodell 2010 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The following dissertation, while an individual work, benefitted from the insights and direction of several people. First, my Dissertation Chair, Jonathan M. Golding, provided timely and instructive comments and evaluation at every stage of the dissertation process, allowing me to complete this project on schedule. He provided unending support and encouragement throughout this process, for which I am extremely appreciative. Next, I wish to thank the complete Dissertation Committee, and outside reader, respectively: Dr. Diane Follingstad, Dr. Elizabeth Lorch, Dr. Nathan DeWall, Dr. James Clark, and Dr. Sabrina Walsh. Each individual provided insights that guided and challenged my thinking, substantially improving the finished product. iii TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgments.............................................................................................................. iii List of Tables ..................................................................................................................... vi List of Figures ................................................................................................................... vii CHAPTER 1: Introduction ................................................................................................. 1 Intimate Partner Violence ....................................................................................... 1 Battered Women Who Kill Their Abusers .............................................................. 3 Pursuance of Alternative Solutions ............................................................. 5 Legal System Responses to Battered Women Who Kill Their Abusers ................. 9 The Self-Defense Defense .......................................................................... 9 Situational Variables Related to the Self-Defense Defense ...................... 12 Variables Related to Defendant Characteristics ....................................... 16 Individual Juror Characteristics ................................................................ 17 Demographic variables ................................................................. 17 Support for moral justice .............................................................. 18 Support for legal justice ................................................................ 19 Battered Men Who Kill Their Abusers ................................................................. 19 Gender and Size ........................................................................................ 23 The Presence of Children in Violent Homes ........................................................ 24 CHAPTER 2: The Present Experiment............................................................................. 28 Method .................................................................................................................. 29 Participants ................................................................................................ 29 Design ....................................................................................................... 29 Materials ................................................................................................... 30 Trial summary ............................................................................... 30 Manipulation check questions....................................................... 31 Trial-summary questionnaire ........................................................ 31 Moral justice scale ........................................................................ 32 Legal justice scale ......................................................................... 32 Procedure .................................................................................................. 32 Hypotheses ............................................................................................................ 33 Analytic Strategy .................................................................................................. 36 CHAPTER 3: Results ....................................................................................................... 44 Preliminary Analyses ............................................................................................ 44 Verdict....................................................................................................... 44 Moral Justice Scale ................................................................................... 44 Legal Justice Scale .................................................................................... 44 Hypotheses ............................................................................................................ 45 Hypothesis 1 – Main Effect of Abuser Gender ......................................... 48 Hypothesis 2 – Abuser Gender x Abuser Height Interaction ................... 50 iv Hypothesis 3 – Abuser Gender x Child Presence Interaction ................... 50 Hypothesis 4 – Main Effect of a Belief in Moral Justice .......................... 51 Hypothesis 5 – Main Effect of a Belief in Legal Justice .........................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Public Lawyer
    The Public Lawyer Public Lawyers Nevada Supreme Court Cases Section July 2010 Bahena v. Goodyear Tire & by “not less than twenty-five Rubber Co., 126 Nev. Adv. Op. percent (25%) of the number” No. 26 (July 1, 2010) In this ap- of registered voters “who actu- peal we consider whether the dis- ally voted in the state or in the trict court abused its discretion county, district, or municipality when it struck a defendant’s an- [that the officer] represents, at swer, as to liability only, as a the election in which [the offi- discovery sanction pursuant to cer] was elected.” Nev. Const. NRCP 37(b)(2)(C) and NRCP art. 2, § 9. 37(d). We conclude that the dis- trict court did not abuse its dis- The question presented cretion by imposing non-case is whose signature counts to- concluding sanctions and by not ward the 25 percent needed to holding a full evidentiary hear- qualify a recall petition. Is it ing. We further conclude that any registered voter, as the dis- the district court exercised its trict court held? Or must the inherent equitable power and signatures come from those reg- properly applied the factors set istered voters who in fact— forth in Young v. Johnny Ribeiro “actually”—voted at the elec- tion in which the public officer Building, 106 Nev. 88, 92-93, Inside this issue: 787 P.2d 777, 780 (1990). We was elected, as the Secretary of therefore affirm the judgment of State and the Attorney General the district court. have concluded? Reasonable LAW.COM 3 policy arguments exist on both Strickland v.
    [Show full text]
  • SPJ Challenges Speaker Policv by ETB C RUNDHOEFER 'The Rime Has Come to Forcibly Issued a Sencs Ofe-Mruls P1i1p0int­ Were Taken
    SeePage4 For all these featured stories and more, go to www.usishield.com ~ Th ursday, ovember 8 , 2007 Vol. 38 , Issue 10 The Shield is a designated t>Ublie forum. What's in ~ this issue? SPJ challenges speaker policv By ETB C RUNDHOEFER 'The rime has come to forcibly issued a sencs ofe-mruls p1I1p0int­ were taken. He was soon asked to ulty advisor The hicld staff free our family memebers from mg the violation of state and fed· leave. Tew sa1d the university's policy their captors, even if that means erallaw published on Yourofsky's In the case of last April, meas­ could effectively be used to reJect •• Darren Mack pleads Tite Society of Profe ional mjuring or k:ilhng someone in the Web site to Bennett. Kissel d1d ures were taken against Yourofsky speakers like Manin Luther King. guilty for murder Journalists "'direct ly challenged"' process." not deny or confum the contents regarding his violation of universi­ Jr., who habitually broke federal Page 3 USI's Outside peakers Poli cy Bennett said the compl aints of the online article. ty policy, even though he had law, dunng the civil rights move­ last week by inviting cancelled began with an anonymous source, "'I understand that a talk by hosted lecutreS in classrooms at menL • • Another shade of speaker and animal right's activis~ went straight to the administration Gary Yourofsky, who advocates US I after tlte ETSU mc1dent. Accordmg to Fox 7 news, USI and dean of students and ended the killing of children,. the rape of Harnington told T11e Shield m Pres1dem H.
    [Show full text]
  • 125 Nev Pages 61-XXX:121 NEV Reports Pages 1-.Qxd.Qxd
    Mar. 2009] Collins v. State 61 and accordingly, statute that defined substantial bodily harm as ‘‘prolonged physical pain’’ provided sufficient notice of prohibited conduct and was not so lacking in specific standards as to allow arbitrary or discriminatory en- forcement and, thus, was not unconstitutionally vague. NRS 0.060(2). 2. CRIMINAL LAW . The constitutionality of a statute is a question of law that the supreme court reviews de novo. 3. CONSTITUTIONAL LAW . Statutes are presumed to be valid, and the challenger bears the burden of showing that a statute is unconstitutional; and in order to meet that bur- den, the challenger must make a clear showing of invalidity. 4. CRIMINAL LAW . A statute is deemed to be unconstitutionally vague if it (1) fails to pro- vide notice sufficient to enable persons of ordinary intelligence to under- stand what conduct is prohibited and (2) lacks specific standards, thereby encouraging, authorizing, or even failing to prevent arbitrary and discrim- inatory enforcement. 5. CRIMINAL LAW . The first prong of the vagueness test is designed to provide notice of conduct that is prohibited under the statute so that ordinary citizens can con- form their conduct to comport with the law; however, notice is insufficient if the statute is so imprecise, and vagueness so permeates its text, that per- sons of ordinary intelligence cannot understand what conduct is prohibited. 6. CRIMINAL LAW . When drafting statutes, the Legislature is not required to exercise ab- solute precision, but, at a minimum, it must draft statutes that delineate the boundaries of prohibited conduct. 7. CRIMINAL LAW . In instances where the Legislature does not define each term it uses in a statute, the statute will not be deemed unconstitutional if the term has a well-settled and ordinarily understood meaning.
    [Show full text]
  • In the Supreme Court of the State of Nevada Darren Roy
    IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEVADA DARREN ROY MACK, No. 51143 Appellant, VS. FILED THE STATE OF NEVADA, Respondent. JUN 2 2 2010 'ZEMAN E ORDER OF AFFIRMANCE COURT DEPUTY C ERK This is an appeal from a judgment of conviction, pursuant to a guilty plea, to first-degree murder, and, pursuant to an Alford plea, to attempted murder with the use of a deadly weapon. Eighth Judicial District Court, Clark County; Douglas W. Herndon, Judge. On appeal, appellant Darren Mack raises two issues. He first contends that the district court abused its discretion when it denied his presentence motion to withdraw his guilty pleas after holding a hearing on the matter. In this regard, Mack argues that his pleas were not knowingly, voluntarily, and intelligently entered with a full understanding of the nature and consequences of the pleas because neither the court nor his counsel informed him of all of the elements of the lesser-included offenses or the lesser penalties for those offenses. Second, Mack contends that the district court improperly involved itself in his plea negotiations, thereby violating the bright-line rule established in Cripps v. State, 122 Nev. 764, 137 P.3d 1187 (2006). We conclude that both of these contentions lack merit. Motion to withdraw the guilty plea "A district court may, in its discretion, grant a defendant's [presentence] motion to withdraw a guilty plea for any 'substantial reason' if it is 'fair and just." Woods v. State, 114 Nev. 468, 475, 958 P.2d 91, 95 (1998) (quoting State v.
    [Show full text]
  • Women in Nevada History
    Revised, Corrected, and Expanded Edition A Digital-Only Document Betty J. Glass 2018 WOMEN IN NEVADA HISTORY An Annotated Bibliography of Published Sources Revised, corrected, and expanded edition Betty J. Glass © 2018 Nevada Women’s History Project Dedicated to the memory of Jean Ford (1929-1998), founder of the Nevada Women’s History Project, whose vision has given due recognition to the role women played and are continuing to play in the history of Nevada. Her tireless leadership and networking abilities made the original project possible. Table of Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................... i Annotated Bibliography ................................................................................................ 1 Index of Nevada Women’s Names ........................................................................... 327 Index of Topics .......................................................................................................... 521 Index of Nevada Women’s Organizations ............................................................... 620 Index of Race, Ethnic Identity of Nevada Women .................................................. 666 Genre Index ............................................................................................................... 672 Introduction This annotated bibliography is a product of the Nevada Women’s History Project (NWHP), a statewide educational Nevada non-profit corporation, 501c3. Our
    [Show full text]
  • 77Th April 5, 2013 0800 AM
    MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY Seventy-Seventh Session April 5, 2013 The Committee on Judiciary was called to order by Chairman Jason Frierson at 8:14 a.m. on Friday, April 5, 2013, in Room 4100 of the Legislative Building, 401 South Carson Street, Carson City, Nevada. The meeting was videoconferenced to Room 4401 of the Grant Sawyer State Office Building, 555 East Washington Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada. Copies of the minutes, including the Agenda (Exhibit A), the Attendance Roster (Exhibit B), and other substantive exhibits, are available and on file in the Research Library of the Legislative Counsel Bureau and on the Nevada Legislature's website at nelis.leg.state.nv.us/77th2013. In addition, copies of the audio record may be purchased through the Legislative Counsel Bureau's Publications Office (email: [email protected]; telephone: 775-684-6835). COMMITTEE MEMBERS PRESENT: Assemblyman Jason Frierson, Chairman Assemblyman James Ohrenschall, Vice Chairman Assemblyman Richard Carrillo Assemblywoman Lesley E. Cohen Assemblywoman Olivia Diaz Assemblywoman Marilyn Dondero Loop Assemblywoman Michele Fiore Assemblyman Ira Hansen Assemblyman Andrew Martin Assemblywoman Ellen B. Spiegel Assemblyman Jim Wheeler COMMITTEE MEMBERS ABSENT: Assemblyman Wesley Duncan (excused) GUEST LEGISLATORS PRESENT: Senator Patricia (Pat) Spearman, Clark County Senatorial District No. 1 Assemblyman Joseph Hogan, Clark County Assembly District No. 10 Minutes ID: 725 *CM725* Assembly Committee on Judiciary April 5, 2013 Page 2 STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Dave Ziegler, Committee Policy Analyst Brad Wilkinson, Committee Counsel Dianne Harvey, Committee Secretary Colter Thomas, Committee Assistant OTHERS PRESENT: James "Greg" Cox, Director, Department of Corrections Robert P.
    [Show full text]
  • Board of County Commissioners, Washoe County, Nevada, February
    BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, WASHOE COUNTY, NEVADA TUESDAY 2:00 P.M. FEBRUARY 12, 2008 PRESENT: Bob Larkin, Chairman Bonnie Weber, Vice Chairperson Jim Galloway, Commissioner David Humke, Commissioner Kitty Jung, Commissioner Amy Harvey, County Clerk Katy Singlaub, County Manager Melanie Foster, Legal Counsel The Board met in regular session in the Commission Chambers of the Washoe County Administration Complex, 1001 East Ninth Street, Reno, Nevada. Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of our Country, the Clerk called the roll and the Board conducted the following business: County Manager Katy Singlaub stated the Chairman and Board of County Commissioners intend that their proceedings should demonstrate the highest levels of decorum, civic responsibility, efficiency and mutual respect between citizens and their government. The Board respects the right of citizens to present differing opinions and views, even criticism, but our democracy cannot function effectively in an environment of personal attacks, slander, threats of violence, and willful disruption. To that end, the Nevada Open Meeting Law provides the authority for the Chair of a public body to maintain the decorum and to declare a recess if needed to remove any person who is disrupting the meeting, and notice is hereby provided of the intent of this body to preserve the decorum and remove anyone who disrupts the proceedings. 08-92 AGENDA ITEM 5 – RESOLUTION FOR JOANNE RAY Agenda Subject: “Presentation of Resolution of Recognition and Appreciation for Joanne Ray (former Director of Human Resources).” Katy Singlaub, County Manager, read and presented the Resolution to Joanne Ray. Ms. Ray thanked the Board and said it had been a wonderful opportunity to work for Washoe County.
    [Show full text]
  • Judicial Inc Backup the Israeli Network Exposed by Scott A. Barry
    Judicial Inc Backup The Israeli Network Exposed by Scott A. Barry This is a backup of the website Judicial-inc.biz The Israeli Mossad Zionist Network Exposed Ivy League Professor Kills Wife file:///home/guest/judicial-inc/Judicial-inc/all.html Ivy League Professor Kills Wife A Tenured Israeli His salary was $150,000 plus benefits 1 of 804 5/11/20, 9:14 AM Ivy League Professor Kills Wife file:///home/guest/judicial-inc/Judicial-inc/all.html He Was A Full Professor At The University Of Pennsylvania He Took A Crowbar To His Wife 2 of 804 5/11/20, 9:14 AM Ivy League Professor Kills Wife file:///home/guest/judicial-inc/Judicial-inc/all.html Rafael Robb Is An Israeli An Ivy League professor pleaded guilty Monday to voluntary manslaughter for killing his wife as she wrapped Christmas presents last year, telling a judge he "just lost it" during an argument. Rafael Robb, a tenured economics professor at the University of Pennsylvania who is originally from Israel, faces a likely prison sentence of 4 1/2 to seven years for bludgeoning his wife, Ellen, on Dec. 22, 2007. 4 3 of 804 5/11/20, 9:14 AM Ivy League Professor Kills Wife file:///home/guest/judicial-inc/Judicial-inc/all.html The Wife Raphael beat her to death with a crowbar. He claimed they argued and she pushed him. Extremely Bloody The prosecutors estimate there were at least nine blows, and she died a painful death. She hardly had a face left. Judge Paul Tressler A fellow Zionist will sentence him.
    [Show full text]
  • Sparks Campo Eatery Hosts Grand Opening
    development SPARKS Another apartment building coming to Victorian Square YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER SINCE 1910 TribuneSERVING SPARKS SINCE 1910 Page 3 Volume 108, Number 28 Tuesday, July 12, 2016 95 cents SpoRtS coveR StoRy Threats against local police officers ‘unverified’ Sparks Tribune Cougars Prizina In wake of the ambush that left five officers dead verbally commits and seven wounded in Dal- to Nevada las, police in Northern Ne- vada have received vague Page 10 threats for similar acts of violence. Sparks Police Chief Brian Allen told the Tribune on Monday that there have been unverified reports from different sources about attacks on local officers in Northern Nevada following John Byrne/Tribune the events last Thursday. Sparks Mayor Gino Martini (second from left) cuts the ribbon at the Sparks Campo grand “As a department we’re opening last Thursday. It’s the restaurant’s second location in Northern Nevada. concerned for the safety of our officers and the commu- nity as a whole,” Allen said. “We’ve since taken steps to Duo of local Cal provide additional safety to Ripken teams win Sparks Campo eatery our officers.” In a statement issued ear- state tournaments lier, Allen offered his con- Page 11 dolences to the Dallas Police hosts grand opening Department and their fami- lies, and thanked the people By Kayla Anderson vorite Campo foods are the cauliflower (even of Sparks for the outpouring InSIde Sparks Tribune though he’s not a big fan of vegetables) and of support he and his offi- the budino- an Italian custard and caramel cers have received.
    [Show full text]
  • Report of the Statewide Court Security Task Force
    Report of the Judicial Council of the State of Nevada’s Statewide Court Security Task Force Preface In response to growing concerns regarding the safety and security of Nevada’s courthouses, judges, judicial employees, and citizens, the Judicial Council of the State of Nevada (JCSN) approved, in April 2005, the creation of a Statewide Court Security Task Force (Task Force) to assess the security of the courts in Nevada and to make recommendations for improving security in these facilities. The Task Force was charged with the following goals: 1. Security assessment of all courts in the state. 2. Research “best practices” nationwide. 3. Use the “best practices,” the Ten Elements for Courtroom Safety and Security from the National Center for State Courts, and findings of the assessment to establish minimum standards that can be implemented for all courts in the State. 4. Provide assistance for local courts to help in planning and implementing security. 5. Assist in information and technical security. 6. Provide assistance in preparing emergency plans for the courts. 7. Establish statewide policies and procedures. 8. Work with local courts and governments in implementing security standards. The importance of these goals and the work of the task force were reinforced by the sniper shooting of Judge Chuck Weller in Reno on June 12, 2006, and by the increasing number of threats made against judges and other members of the judicial family during 2006 (Appendix A). These events further illuminated the need for the work of the Task Force. Assessment In order to assess the security situation in Nevada’s courts, the Task Force conducted two surveys in March 2006 (Appendix B).
    [Show full text]