Myths about myths? A commentary on Thomas (2020) and the question of jury rape myth acceptance

Article

Daly, E., Smith, O., Bows, H., Brown, J., Chalmers, J., Cowan, S., Horvath, M., Leverick, F., Lovett, J., Munro, V. and Willmott, D. 2023. Myths about myths? A commentary on Thomas (2020) and the question of jury rape myth acceptance. Journal of Gender-Based Violence. 7 (1), pp. 189-200. https://doi.org/10.1332/239868021X16371459419254
TypeArticle
TitleMyths about myths? A commentary on Thomas (2020) and the question of jury rape myth acceptance
AuthorsDaly, E., Smith, O., Bows, H., Brown, J., Chalmers, J., Cowan, S., Horvath, M., Leverick, F., Lovett, J., Munro, V. and Willmott, D.
Abstract

This commentary responds to claims that research by Cheryl Thomas ‘shows’ no problem with rape myths in English and Welsh juries. We critique the claim on the basis of ambiguous survey design, a false distinction between ‘real’ jurors and other research participants, the conflation of attitudes in relation to abstract versus applied rape myths, and misleading interpretation of the data. Ultimately, we call for a balanced appraisal of individual studies by contextualising them against the wider literature.

Keywordsrape myths; jury research; critical commentary; research triangulation
Sustainable Development Goals16 Peace, justice and strong institutions
5 Gender equality
3 Good health and well-being
Middlesex University ThemeHealth & Wellbeing
PublisherPolicy Press
JournalJournal of Gender-Based Violence
ISSN2398-6808
Electronic2398-6816
Publication dates
PrintFeb 2023
Publication process dates
Accepted2023
Deposited15 Dec 2025
Output statusPublished
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1332/239868021X16371459419254
Web of Science identifierWOS:000886724700001
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