Simpson’s Contemporary Quotations, compiled by James B. Simpson. 1988.
NUMBER:
1845
AUTHOR:
Robert N Wilentz, Chief Justice, New Jersey Supreme Court
QUOTATION:
The common characteristics of a battered wife [include] her inability to leave despite such constant beatings; her “learned helplessness”; her lack of anywhere to go; her feeling that if she tried to leave, she would be subjected to even more merciless treatment; her belief in the omnipotence of her battering husband; and sometimes her hope that her husband will change his ways.
ATTRIBUTION:
Majority opinion in 6-1 ruling that called for a new trial for a woman convicted of killing her abusive husband, 24 Jul 84
