"Bodies in Evidence" with Dr. Samenena Mulla & Dr. heather Hlavka

Jan 13, 2022 12:00 PM - Register Here Dr. Sameena Mulla and Dr. Heather Hlavka will talk about their newly authored book, Bodies in Evidence, which uncovers how the process of sexual assault adjudication reinforces inequality and becomes a public spectacle of violence. Joining them will be attorney Michelle Velasquez, as they draw on observations of over 680 court appearances in Milwaukee County’s felony sexual assault courts, as well as interviews with judges, attorneys, forensic scientists, jurors, sexual assault nurse examiners, and victim advocates. The book shows how forensic science helps to propagate public misunderstandings of sexual violence by bestowing an aura of authority to race and gender stereotypes and inequalities. Expert testimony reinforces the idea that sexual assault is physically and emotionally recognizable and always leaves material evidence. The court’s reliance on the presence of forensic evidence infuses these very familiar stereotypes and myths about sexual assault with new scientific authority. Panelists include: Professor Heather Hlavka, Marquette University Professor Sameena Mulla, Emory University Attorney Michelle Velasquez, Planned Parenthood, Director of Advocacy and Services