Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town

Acquaintance rape refers to sexual assault where the survivor knows the perpetrator, often as a friend, colleague, or casual acquaintance. Krakauer explores the complexities of acquaintance rape, highlighting how the familiarity between the victim and the assailant complicates legal proceedings and societal perceptions. The book demonstrates how this form of rape is frequently dismissed or downplayed, both by the criminal justice system and by the community, due to the misconception that rape is only committed by strangers. It is therefore key to the work’s consideration of both The Dynamics of Sexual Cases in the Legal System and Victim Advocacy and the Challenges Faced by Survivors.

Bias in law enforcement refers to the prejudices and preconceived notions that influence the actions and decisions of police officers and other authorities. Krakauer illustrates how biases, particularly those related to gender and societal status, affect the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases. This bias often results in the survivor being disbelieved, or the perpetrator being given undue leniency, especially in cases involving prominent individuals like athletes. Such biases are partly responsible for determining The Role of Institutions in Perpetuating or Combating Rape Culture.