QUESTION
How could the legal defences and
criminal justice response to women who kill their abusive partners be
effectively reformed in England and Wales?
Introductory reading: V. Bettinson, ‘Aligning Partial
Defences to Murder with the Offence of Coercive or Controlling Behaviour’
(2019) Journal of Criminal Law 83 (1) 71-86.
Remember to thoroughly research each point and provide
evidence, examples, and citations to support your arguments throughout the
essay.
INCLUDE:
1.5 SPACING + OSCOLA REFERENCING ONLY 
12 PAGES MAX ( bibliography not included )
UK CASES +  UK LAWS ONLY 
– bibliography needs to be given with referenicng to law OSCOLA referencing only please
Inlcude women such as:
– Sally CHALLEN
– Penelope JACKSON
– Rebecca SEARING 
– Fariessa MARTIN 
– Emma Jayne MAGSON
etc, any other research you find please add 
LAYOUT:
Introduction
Brief overview of the prevalence of domestic
violence against women in England and Wales.
Introduction to the legal defences and
criminal justice response to women who kill their abusive partners.
Thesis statement outlining the need for
reform in these areas.
Understanding Current Legal Defences and
Criminal Justice Response
Explanation of the current legal defences
available to women who kill their abusive partners (e.g., self-defense,
diminished responsibility).
Overview of how the criminal justice system
currently handles cases involving women who kill their abusive partners.
Statistics and case studies to illustrate the
limitations and shortcomings of the current system.
Challenges Faced by Abused Women in the
Legal System
Discussion of the barriers faced by abused
women when seeking legal assistance or defense.
Examination of societal attitudes and biases
that may affect the legal outcomes for abused women.
Analysis of how these challenges contribute
to injustices in the legal system.
Proposed Reforms
Proposal for reforms to legal defenses, such
as expanding the definition of self-defense to include psychological
harm.
Suggestions for changes to the criminal
justice response, such as specialized training for law enforcement and
judiciary on domestic violence dynamics.
Discussion of the importance of integrating
trauma-informed approaches into legal proceedings.
Comparison with International Models
Comparison with legal reforms and practices
in other countries known for progressive approaches to domestic violence
cases.
Analysis of successful models and their
potential applicability to the context of England and Wales.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Discussion of potential legal and ethical
implications of proposed reforms.
Exploration of conflicting interests and
rights, such as the right to self-defense versus the right to life.
Implementation Strategies
Outline of strategies for implementing
proposed reforms, including legislative changes and policy initiatives.
Discussion of the role of advocacy groups,
NGOs, and community organizations in driving change.
Potential Impact of Reforms
Evaluation of the potential impact of reforms
on improving outcomes for abused women within the legal system.
Examination of how reforms could contribute
to broader societal shifts in attitudes towards domestic violence.
Challenges and Limitations
Identification of potential challenges and
limitations in implementing proposed reforms.
Discussion of strategies to mitigate these
challenges and address any potential drawbacks.
Conclusion
Recap of the need for reform in legal defenses
and criminal justice responses to women who kill their abusive partners.
Summary of proposed reforms and their
potential impact.
Call to action for stakeholders to prioritize
and enact these reforms to better protect abused women within the legal
system.