Prosecuting child sexual abuse in rural Kentucky: Factors influencing case acceptance by prosecuting attorneys |
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Authors: | Darin K Moore |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Justice Administration, University of Louisville, 40292 Louisville, KY |
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Abstract: | This study examined the relationship between felony prosecutors’ discretion and the legal and social factors present in cases
of child sexual abuse. Prosecuting attorneys from 20 rural circuits in Kentucky were targeted for semistructured interviews
in order to determine what influences them to accept or not accept a case for prosecution. Findings show a relationship between
rural Kentucky prosecutors’ decision to accept a case and the availability of physical evidence, victims’ age and competence,
potential trauma inflicted upon the victim, and the situation in which the allegation of sexual abuse originated. The relationship
between prosecutors’ discretion and various factors is discussed regarding the impact on other criminal justice officials
in their pursuit to combat child sexual abuse in Kentucky and in other rural communities as well.
Winner of 1997 Outstanding Graduate Paper Award, Southern Criminal Justice Association |
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Keywords: | |
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