Overview

This volume examines sentencing hearings in criminal court and the presentation of victim impact statements, as well as child protection cases in juvenile court and the recommendations of guardians ad litem (GALS). Through interviews, observations, and textual analysis, all deeply grounded in an innovative court watch program, the authors illuminate the most effective persuasive practices of victim advocates and GALS as they help protect the rights and needs of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. Mary Lay Schuster and Amy D. Propen offer nuanced interpretations of these strategies in the courtroom setting and provide an understanding of how to develop successful advocacy for vulnerable parties in the legal arena.

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9781555537494

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Reviews

Schuster and Propen report one of the most comprehensive studies to date on victim statements in court and the work of advocates who help abused women's and children's voices be heard. Their work is deeply grounded in an innovative court watch program and uses extensive interviews, observations and court documents to argue that the way victims voices are heard in court many times shapes the outcomes of domestic violence and child abuse cases. Their unique view and clear writing makes this an interesting read.--Jeffrey L. Edleson, University of Minnesota In Victim Advocacy in the Courtroom, Mary Lay Schuster and Amy D. Propen have harnessed cultural theory and rhetorical analysis to the gritty work of criminal and juvenile courts. This sophisticated yet accessible book provides a nuanced view of the role of victim advocates and guardians ad litem in humanizing the legal process. Both academics and practitioners will find inspiration and practical advice in this brilliant analysis of successful strategies for bridging the ideal of courtroom objectivity with the emotionality and subjectivity of real people.--Kathleen J. Ferraro, Chair and Professor of Sociology & Social Work, Northern Arizona University

Schuster and Propen report one of the most comprehensive studies to date on victim statements in court and the work of advocates who help abused women's and children's voices be heard. Their work is deeply grounded in an innovative court watch program and uses extensive interviews, observations and court documents to argue that the way victims voices are heard in court many times shapes the outcomes of domestic violence and child abuse cases. Their unique view and clear writing makes this an interesting read. --Jeffrey L. Edleson, University of Minnesota In Victim Advocacy in the Courtroom, Mary Lay Schuster and Amy D. Propen have harnessed cultural theory and rhetorical analysis to the gritty work of criminal and juvenile courts. This sophisticated yet accessible book provides a nuanced view of the role of victim advocates and guardians ad litem in humanizing the legal process. Both academics and practitioners will find inspiration and practical advice in this brilliant analysis of successful strategies for bridging the ideal of courtroom objectivity with the emotionality and subjectivity of real people. --Kathleen J. Ferraro, Chair and Professor of Sociology & Social Work, Northern Arizona University

Author Information

MARY LAY SCHUSTER is a professor in the Department of Writing Studies, Rhetoric, Scientific, and Technical Communication Programs, and a faculty fellow in the Law School, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. AMY D. PROPEN is an assistant professor of rhetoric and composition at York College of Pennsylvania.

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