Effect of rape victim's attractiveness on 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. Although the legal process attempts to provide equitable justice, judiciary research suggests that there is considerable subjective bias in determining guilt and subsequent punishment. Bias has been shown to result from such factor