Citation

Fitzpatrick C. J. Crim. Justice Educ. 2001; 12(1): 169.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (U.S.A.), Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10511250100085111

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The use of scenarios to facilitate learning about the complexities of prosecutorial decision-making is a useful pedagogical device for facilitating student learning about sensitive criminal justice issues such as rape or sexual assault. It is also useful in helping instructors gain insight concerning the premises students carry with them into the classroom. Hypothetical rape scenarios were presented to 178 students who were asked to make decisions as to whether or not to pursue prosecution. Findings suggest that race, sex, age, and education play significant roles in students' decision-making processes. Furthermore, as the rape scenario becomes more complicated, demographic factors play a heavier hand in arriving at decisions concerning the disposition of a case.

1 The author is very grateful to Philip Reichel for his assistance and encouragement throughout the development of this document. Thanks is also offered to the many anonymous reviewers and Prabha Unnithan who provided invaluable feedback and suggestions for improvement. A special thanks is sent to Glenda Lesondak for her fastidious attention to detail.