is going on between BWS advocates. Maybe the reason why those in society are unwilling to accept the BWS theory is because those who support it can not even agree on what the concept should entail. After conducting an extensive review on battered women's syndrome, I have concluded that the acceptance of this syndrome by our criminal law depends upon three issues. The first issue pertains to how society looks at the syndrome. Many people claim that they know all about BWS and that it is just another way for women to avoid culpability. Others believe that BWS is a defense in itself. BWS has been seriously affected, because of the general part of our society that has not yet been educated on the facts of the syndrome. Those who possess the knowledge surrounding the syndrome need to clarify society's misguided conceptions, or BWS will never get the support it really deserves. If people learn the facts and support the syndrome, then the American government is more likely to take legislative action. The second problem concerning the acceptance of BWS by the criminal law is the present self-defense justification. This justification is deeply rooted in English Common Law and causes great debate among legislative officials. Self-defense, although adequate for most, has failed to represent battered women in America. Completely changing this defense is out of the question, but what about modifying the defense so that it would also look at body size, strength, and general physical ability? A man who weighs 200 lbs. has a clear advantage over his 130 lbs. wife. These physical characteristics must be considered when explaining self-defense, because they would help compare the two opposing forces. The third problem that has halted the success of BWS is that people are unwilling to stop domestic violence in their community. If residents within a community are aware of domestic violence problems then they need to take immediate action and s...
