When Child Sexual Abuse Hits Home for Jurors

In this episode of 'One in Ten,' host Teresa Huizar speaks with Dr. Maggie Stevenson, Associate Professor of Psychology at Kenyon College, about the interplay between jurors' personal histories of child sexual abuse and their attitudes and decisions in similar cases. The conversation delves into Dr. Stevenson's meta-analysis study, which explores whether adult survivors of child sexual abuse exhibit more empathy toward child victims and examines the implications for jury selection. The discussion highlights how severity of past abuse impacts juror empathy, potential biases, and the need for more trauma-informed practices within the court system. The episode raises important questions about practical legal implications and suggests areas for future research to ensure fairness in child sexual abuse trials. 

 

Time Stamps: 

TimeTopic 

00:00 Introduction to Today's Topic 

01:28 Meet Dr. Maggie Stevenson 

02:06 Research Background and Study Design 

04:53 Key Findings and Implications 

10:17 Challenges in Defining Severity 

21:01 Practical Implications for the Court System 

26:04 Future Research Directions 

31:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

 

Resources:

More Severe Juror Sexual Abuse Strengthens Empathy for Child Sexual Abuse Victims: Meta-Analyses - Tayler M. Jones-Cieminski, Margaret Stevenson, Bette L. Bottoms, 2025

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