Victim Advocacy in the Courtroom

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.

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.