Psychology lecturer and researcher examines rape myths on juror verdicts

Glasgow Caledonian University Lecturer in Applied Psychology Dr Lee John Curley has been examining rape myths, which are false beliefs regarding rape and consent, on juror verdicts.

Dr Curley, from the School of Health and Life Sciences' Department of Psychology, worked with researchers in The Open University and the University of Glasgow to test the effects of rape myths and different verdict systems (Guilty and Not Guilty vs. Guilty, Not Guilty and Not Proven vs. Proven and Not Proven) on juror decision-making.

During the study, the participants answered questions regarding their acceptance of rape myths using the Acceptance of Modern Myth and Sexual Aggression (AMMSA) scale. They then watched a staged rape trial filmed in a real courtroom and reached a verdict (this differed depending on the verdict system they were placed in). Participants were also given the opportunity to provide a rationale for their decision, this was also analysed.

The Scottish verdict system includes three verdicts: ‘guilty’, ‘not guilty’ and ‘not proven’. Politicians propose that the three-verdict system is partially to blame for the low conviction rate of rape, whereas, research suggests that rape myths may be having a larger impact, said Dr Curley.

That is why the researchers decided to test the effects of varying verdict systems (mentioned above) and rape myths on juror verdicts.

Dr Curley said: “The main finding was that conviction rates in rape trials were highest in our experimental special verdict system (proven and not proven system) when compared to the two (guilty and not guilty) and three (guilty, not guilty and not proven) verdict systems - when removing the effects of rape myths (false beliefs regarding rape and consent) on verdicts”.

“A second interesting finding was that the higher the rape myth acceptance, the more favourably the accused was perceived and the less favourably the complainer was perceived. It’s the first time this has been empirically shown in the Scottish jury system.”

“Finally, there was no significant difference in convictions in rape trials when comparing the two (guilty and not guilty) and three (guilty, not guilty and not proven) verdict systems, showing these verdict systems have a similar effect on juror verdicts in rape trials.”

The research, entitled 'Rape Myths and Verdict Systems: What Is Influencing Conviction Rates in Rape Trials in Scotland', has been published in the MDPI Behavioural Sciences journal - https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/14/7/619.

Dr Curley is an expert in the juror system in Scotland and the UK. Last year, he was invited to join a discussion on jurors at the House of Lords. He has also been invited to discuss his research with respected institutions such as the Faculty of Advocates, the British Medical Association, and the Scottish Criminal Bar Association.