The Effects of Jurisdictional Variances on Rates of Rape Offenses: How Differing Jurisdictional Definitions Contribute to America’s Rape Culture

Author

David Lopez-Herrera, Nova Southeastern UniversityFollow

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Marcelo Castro

Committee Member

Grace Telesco

Committee Member

Tina Jaeckle

Keywords

Federal Legal Standardization, Jurisdictional Variances, Rape Culture, Rape Definitions, Rape Offense Rates

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between jurisdictional definitions of rape and rape offense rates across various states in the U.S., with the goal of proposing a standardized federal definition to enhance consistency in data collection and improve the efficacy of legal responses. Despite extensive research on rape, no prior studies have explored the impact of jurisdictional definition variances on state rape offense rates. This seminal study aimed to fill this gap by analyzing the correlation between state-specific rape definitions and reported rape offenses, utilizing a theoretical breakdown of definitions into eight components and a rubric for evaluation.

The analysis revealed a generally weak positive correlation between state definition scores and rape offense rates, suggesting that higher definition scores may be associated with higher offense rates. This trend varied year by year, with some years showing stronger correlations than others. The findings suggest that while a correlation exists, it is not yet statistically significant with the current model. Although the results did not achieve statistical significance overall, certain components of the model showed significant results in specific years. Notably, the model's explanatory power was limited, and its predictive value was low, indicating that while there is a potential link between definition scores and rape rates, the current model requires refinement. Future research should address these limitations by incorporating more comprehensive data sources, refining the definition components, and exploring alternative methodological approaches. Accurate rape definitions are crucial for improving legal responses, enhancing reporting, and ultimately reducing rape offenses, highlighting the need for continued research in this area.

NSUWorks Citation

David Lopez-Herrera. 2024. The Effects of Jurisdictional Variances on Rates of Rape Offenses: How Differing Jurisdictional Definitions Contribute to America’s Rape Culture. Doctoral dissertation. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice. (717)
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/fse_etd/717.