Summary Of Missoula By Jon Krakauer

Missoula Analysis College towns include many things: fraternities, parties, sports, alcohol, and drugs. Missoula by Jon Krakauer is about one thing that is also found in college towns, rape. The book starts with the story of Allison Huguet, who was raped by her close friend Beau Donaldson while sleeping in his house. Allison is able to gather evidence against Beau by seeking help from Detective Guy Baker who works hard to help Allison build a case against Beau. Because of their efforts, Beau is charged with 30 years in state prison. Krakauer uses Allison’s case as an example of what most rape cases should look like. Though the investigation and trial against Beau were not perfect, they were a lot better than what other women faced while attempting

Most victims are treated with doubt, questioning, disrespect, and blaming when they try to report their assaults. Victims are asked if they have boyfriends or if they were drinking heavily. The victims often feel like they are the ones being questioned for a crime and the entire process can further traumatize victims. Instead of believing the victim during their report, the officers actively choose not to. For example when Kelsey Belnap is gang raped by four football players the officers ask her if she was only reporting because she felt guilty for cheating on her boyfriend. This plays into the rape myth that women often make false reports accusing innocent men of rape, when in reality very few reports are false. The officers also show more support for the accused rapist than the victim. Officers told Kerry that the defendant had cried and seemed distressed over the current events. They also showed concern for his reputation if she continued accusing him of rape. The officers offer the accused reassurance, while they offered the victims

The University of Montana believed that it was more important to reveal the truth than to protect the right of the accused. This meant that evidence was not suppressed or withheld, like it was in the criminal justice system. The worst punishment that can be received is expulsion, because it is disciplinary hearing not a criminal hearing. As the results are not as serious, a guilty verdict within the criminal justice system a guilty verdict from the university is more common. Lawyers are not allowed to speak during the proceeding and the individuals involved speak directly to the court. The court is comprised of individuals appointed by the president of the University of Montana. Both sides can present witnesses and speak about their argument. The university can also manipulate the process in order to keep their star football players on the field, as they did in Johnson’s