Title

This study explored the influence of rape myths, such as delayed reporting as well as other extraneous variables in the decision making of jurors in a domestic rape case. Rape myth acceptance and longer delays in reporting (10 years vs. immediate) often yield a not guilty verdict for the defendant in mock juror trials. Mock jurors (N = 129) watched a trial re-enactment video depicting a domestic rape case before making a dichotomous verdict, continuous verdict rating, confidence in decision rating, as well as their opinions on the belief and credibility of the complainant and defendant. Findings suggests no influence delay in reporting on any of these variables, however, belief in the complainant, belief in the perpetrator, and confidence in decision were all predictors of verdict decision. Methodological and sample limitations of the current study were discussed, with suggestions for future research and policy implications following.