Effects of defendant sexual orientation on jurors' perceptions of child sexual assault

Law Hum Behav. 2009 Feb;33(1):46-60. doi: 10.1007/s10979-008-9131-2. Epub 2008 Apr 11.

Abstract

We examined mock jurors' reactions to a sexual abuse case involving a male teacher and a 10-year-old child. Because gay men are sometimes stereotyped as child molesters, we portrayed defendant sexual orientation as either gay or straight and the victim as either a boy or girl. Jurors made more pro-prosecution decisions in cases involving a gay versus straight defendant, particularly when the victim was a boy. In boy-victim cases, jurors' emotional feelings of moral outrage toward the defendant mediated these effects. On average, women jurors were more pro-prosecution than were men. Results have implications for understanding social perceptions of cross- and same-gender child sexual abuse and juror decision making in child sexual assault cases perpetrated by homosexual and heterosexual men.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Decision Making
  • Female
  • Gender Identity*
  • Homosexuality, Male*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Morals
  • Prejudice
  • Stereotyping