Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Law
The Scarlet Letter Effect: The Adulterous Defendant On Trial For Spousal Murder, Elizabeth H. Matherne
The Scarlet Letter Effect: The Adulterous Defendant On Trial For Spousal Murder, Elizabeth H. Matherne
Elizabeth H Matherne
“At the vary least, they should have put the brand of hot iron on Hester Prynne’s forehead.”
Hester Prynne and The Scarlet Letter conjure images of an outcast infinitely branded and burdened by infidelity. As the story model becomes increasingly accepted as the most accurate theory of the juror decision making process, some attorneys are carefully crafting their message to fit such iconic images. Others are being left behind with dire consequences to their clients. In my article, I highlight how one segment of criminal defendants, the Adulterous Defendant on Trial for Spousal Murder, is especially vulnerable to the abuse …