"Rape Myths in Two Selected American Rape Trials: A Thematic-Linguistic Analysis of Strategy-Based Questions of Cross-Examinations " | ||
هرمس | ||
Article 8, Volume 12, Issue 4 - Serial Number 46, October 2023, Pages 93-115 PDF (767.68 K) | ||
Document Type: المقالة الأصلية | ||
DOI: 10.21608/herms.2024.374628 | ||
Author | ||
Yara Zidan | ||
Cairo University | ||
Abstract | ||
There is emerging research, in the American rape trials, that addresses the embedding of rape myths during the cross-examination of rape complainants by opposing lawyer. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate whether the American cross-examination of rape complainant are embedded with rape myths. A total of 607 cross-examination questions were extracted and analyzed from two well-publicized American rape cases. The study utilized Zydervelt’s et al. (2016) thematic analysis to explore the types of broad strategies and specific tactics opposing lawyers used when cross-examining rape complainants. After the identification of strategy-based questions, a follow up Discourse Analysis (DA) was performed to linguistically analyze the embedding of rape myths into cross-examination questions. Findings confirm that questions in the American cross-examinations were loaded with rape myths, and that opposing lawyers relied heavily on the use of strategy-based questions. Finally, based on the findings, the study provides future recommendations and further areas of research. | ||
Keywords | ||
American rape trials; rape complainant; cross-examination; rape myths; Discourse Analysis | ||
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