Stalking State Statutes: A Critical Content Analysis and Reflection on Social Science Research. Issue 4 (4th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Branscum, Caralin; Fallik, Seth Wyatt; Garcia, Krystal; Eason, Breanna; Gursahaney, Kayla
• Is Part Of: Women & criminal justice. Volume 31:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 261
• Page End: 282
• Publication Date: 2021-07-04
• Subjects: Stalking -- violence against women -- intimate partner violence -- content analysis -- legal analysis; Sex discrimination in criminal justice administration -- Periodicals; Female offenders -- Periodicals; Women -- Crimes against -- Periodicals; Women criminal justice personnel -- Periodicals; 364.374
• DOI: 10.1080/08974454.2019.1686450
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0897-4454

Abstract

Abstract : Stalking began to be criminalized on the heels of news stories in the late 1980s in the United States of America (USA). Unfortunately, little is known about how states have responded to stalking, especially in light of its occurrence, harm, and case attrition in the criminal justice system. To explore these issues, the present study offers a content analysis of the USA's state stalking statutes. Though innovative laws were observed, the Nation's stalking laws are best described as a patchwork of legislation. In light of these findings, policy implications and the directions of future research are discussed.