Perfect Victims: And the Politics of Appeal – How Stereotypes Impact Justice

What Perfect Victims: And the Politics of Appeal Reveals About the Legal System

In Perfect Victims: And the Politics of Appeal, author Martha Grace Duncan takes a bold look at how the U.S. legal system treats victims—especially those who don’t fit the mold of the “ideal” victim. Drawing from real-life appeal cases, she shows how courts interpret victims’ behavior, emotions, and personal histories during trials and appeals.

This isn’t just a book about courtroom drama. It’s a deep, critical analysis of how our culture shapes the law. Duncan highlights how victims who fail to act with expected emotions—such as crying or appearing afraid—are often dismissed. As a result, their cases are less likely to succeed on appeal.

Key Ideas in Perfect Victims: And the Politics of Appeal

Emotional Bias and the Myth of the “Ideal” Victim

Courts don’t just evaluate facts. They judge people’s behavior and personality. Victims who seem too calm, too angry, or not “respectable enough” are often not believed. This bias leads to unfair outcomes, even when evidence supports their claims.

Appeals Influenced by Perception

Instead of focusing solely on legal procedures, appellate judges often evaluate how victims act in the courtroom. Duncan explains how emotion, race, class, and gender all shape appeal decisions. This insight reveals why some appeals succeed and others fail—even with similar legal grounds.

Why Perfect Victims Is an Urgent Read

Challenging Assumptions, Demanding Change

Duncan’s book challenges readers to rethink justice. It’s not only for legal experts; it’s also for anyone who wants a fairer system. Her call for reform is grounded in both legal knowledge and human empathy. If we want equal justice, we must also rethink who we label as “believable.”

Language: English
Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 9798888903155
ISBN-13: 9798888903155
Genre: New Arrivals
Condition: New

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