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Journal Article 11.1: Patterson, D. (2011, November). The impact of detectives’ manner of questioning on rape victims’ disclosure. Violence Against Women, 17(11), 1349-1373.

Abstract: Research has documented that few reported rapes are prosecuted by the legal system. The purpose of this study is to explain how the interactions between victims and detectives can strengthen or weaken the investigation itself. Twenty rape victims were interviewed to examine how law enforcement detectives’ manner of questioning affects rape victims’ level of disclosure. Using qualitative methodology, the results show that the detectives’ manner of questioning can play a role in victims’ disclosure. Detectives using a gentle manner of questioning with victims can help produce stronger victim statements and thus build stronger cases for prosecution.

Journal Article 11.2: Morris, E. W. (2010, August). “Snitches end up in ditches” and other cautionary tales. Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice, 26(3), 254-272.

Abstract: This article examines the “stop snitching” phenomenon in relation to teenagers and schooling. It shows evidence of a code against sharing information with formal authorities among students at two low-income schools: a predominately Black, urban school and a predominately White, rural school. Using Bourdieu’s concept of habitus, the analysis demonstrates how antisnitching is woven into the social fabric of these communities, prompting student ambivalence toward school-sanctioned methods of conflict resolution. The findings highlight the broad reach of the antisnitching phenomenon, situating this mentality as the result of community-based distrust of formal authority. The article assesses implications of antisnitching for school discipline and climate.