Hang Him, don’t Hang Him: An Analysis of Legal Boundaries and Public Perceptions On Penalizing Rape Convicts-In Pakistan

Abstract

This Research analyze and explores (i) public opinion toward the punishment of rape convicts (ii) Public opinion regarding the various aspects of criminal justice system, including the public confidence in the penal system, fairness of punishment and legal rights awareness (iii) Content analysis of existing rape laws in Pakistan (iv) Attitude of public towards rape and rape victims, prevalent rape culture (v) Public opinion on effectiveness of rape laws in Pakistan This research have used mixed methodology quantitative and qualitative both, Online survey questioner and in-depth interviews. In-depth survey was conducted from 8 respondents two among them were human right activists two were religious scholars two were lawyers and two were police officers. For quantitative research respondents of 18 years or above with the minimum primary level of education from rural and urban areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad were selected The study found that public opinion about rape, rape victims, executing of rapist, rape laws heavily shaped by respondents level of education, place of residence, religion, gender and age. The study revealed that the most justified punishment for the rapist according the people in Pakistan is public hanging of the rapist. Our data shows that authority and power are associated with men. Men as compared to the women believed more in rape myths. Furthermore People have no trust in criminal justice system in Pakistan. Moreover, findings of In depth Interviews highlighted that most of the respondents want Public hanging of the rapist but at the same time they do not have legal literacy. Rape culture, sexual double standards and rape myths are highly prevalent in the attitude of public of Pakistan.