1. What challenges did you overcome throughout this inquiry project? How did you go about overcoming these challenges?
It was difficult to find current information about the BWS defence because most articles about it were from the 1990’s to early 2000’s (when it was created and used for the first times). In addition, most of the articles were about the BWS defence in the US instead of Canada. To overcome these challenges, I based part of my research on a book called “Defending Battered Women on Trial: Lessons from the Transcripts,” which had accurate and current information about it in Canada. I also had to change the way I research: I changed my wording to look for less specific details, and get information about the overall issues of the defence.
2. How did this inquiry change the way you think?
It changed my opinion on our judicial system. Minorities still often face more difficulties in a system that is supposed to treat all equally.
3. How did this investigation impact your future decisions?
It impacted how I will judge women convicted of murdering their husbands. Of course, there are female murderers, but I now know that some of them were wrongfully convicted because the system was not able to protect them from domestic violence.
4. What impact will this investigation have on others locally and/or globally?
It will make people realise that the system is often not fair for all. Hopefully, people will demand for change in the BWS defence so battered women have more opportunities to defend themselves.
Sofia B.