Title: Rape Reform Legislation in the United States: A Look at Some Practical Effects
Year: 1983
Author: Leigh Bienen
Publisher: Victimology
Issue: Volume 8, Issue: 1-2, pp. 139-151
Description: The author, who was actively involved in drafting rape reform legislation in New Jersey, comments upon the purpose and effect of the passage of seemingly radical reforms. In New Jersey the spousal exception was repealed; incest amoung adults was decriminalized. The practical effect of these reforms, which are similar to actual and proposed changes in other states and countries has been minimal. This paper specifically discusses reforms in the states of New Jersey and Michigan and offers general commentary upon the social and cultural effect of similar reforms in the United States as a whole.