Effect of Rape Victim's Attractiveness in a Jury Simulation

Abstract

The present study tested the hypothesis that a rape victim's physical attractiveness would differentially influence the decisions of simulated jurors. The implications of previous research on this premise were two-fold: (1) greater attractiveness would provide an attractive victim with greater advantages or (2) greater attractiveness would serve to the victim's disadvantage. Assessment of victim credibility and re sponsibility concerning the incident was not influenced by victim attrac tiveness. Punishment of the assailant, however, was affected by attrac tiveness with a longer sentence given when an attractive woman was con cerned. Sex bias was noted only in assessment of guilt and sentencing with females tending to convict more often while males provided longer sentences.