THE TREATMENT OF WOMEN WITHIN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM: A N INQUIRY INTO THE SOCIAL IMPACT OF THE WOMEN’S RIGHTS MOVEMENT

Two studies considered the possible impact of the feminist movement upon criminal justice decisions relating to women. One body of data confirmed a trend away from indiscriminate leniency in the punishment of female criminals during the women’s movement. Courtroom and parole board decisions determining length of imprisonment showed an improving alignment of punishment and criminal circumstances for women and men. The second set of data disclosed that an increased seriousness was accorded to the crime of rape as feminism became more influential. Rape, as a violation of the woman’s right to bodily self-determination, was punished more harshly during the period of greater feminist influence, a fact that was not true of other male violent crimes. The women‘s movement appears to have brought about a more realistic balance of female and male responsibilities before the law as well as a greater respect for women’s sexual rights. The feminist movement qualifies as one of the most important social phe-nomena of the twentieth century. The impact of feminism, at least in the United States, seems apparent in the increased participation of women in the job market and availability of more prestigious careers, the enforcement of anti-discrimination codes, and more liberal views toward abortion. How-ever, dispassionate scientific verification of feminist impact upon important social institutions in this country is yet to be achieved. The specific ways in which the advent of women’s rights has influenced social practices also re-main to be explored by social scientists. The criminal justice system represents one aspect of American society i