Having the Last Word: An Examination of Rape Survivors' Participation in Sentencing

How should feminists concerned about women's experiences with rape prosecution position themselves relative to victims' rights legislation? This interview-based study focuses on rape survivors' talk about their participation in the criminal justice process and their emotional investments in prosecution. The authors examine how they account for their participation in sentencing—in particular, how they justify having pursued particular kinds of involvements or not. The authors identify four motivations to write to the court and to attend or speak at sentencing. Then, the authors explain how rape survivors' prior involvement in court events, their emotional states, and the support they receive from others leads them to selectively engage in sentencing activities.