NCJ Number
138417
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: (Winter 1991) Pages: 271-282
Date Published
1991
Length
12 pages
Annotation
Using surveys of researchers in the area of spousal violence and the opinions of jurors, this study examined two criteria judges use to determine the admissibility of expert testimony at trials involving battered women defendants.
Abstract
The first issue is that the area of study about which an expert testifies must be reliable and valid. A survey of 45 researchers showed a strong consensus on 14 of 18 items on a questionnaire designed to assess knowledge and beliefs about various aspects of battering relationships. The second issue in deciding the admissibility of testimony is that the subject must not be readily understood by the average juror. The knowledge of 141 jurors about myths and empirical research findings associated with battered women was assessed using the same survey. The results showed that, compared to the experts, the jurors had limited knowledge on these issues. The results support the use of expert testimony in certain cases involving battered women defendants. 4 tables, 2 notes, and 29 references