Reacting to rape: Exploring mock jurors’ assessments of complainant credibility

This article discusses the fi ndings of a study in which volunteers observed one of nine mini rape trial reconstructions, and were asked to deliberate as a group towards a verdict. In a context in which research with ‘ real ’ jurors is prohibited, these deliberations were analysed to better understand what goes on behind the closed doors of the jury room in rape cases. While previous research has established that jurors are often infl uenced by extra-legal factors relating to the complainant’s behaviour before an alleged attack, this study explored the impact of complainant conduct during and post-assault on assessments of her credibility. More specifi cally, it examined the effects of (1) lack of physical resistance; (2) delayed reporting; and (3) calm emotional demeanour