Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town

Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College Town by Jon Krakauer is a work of narrative nonfiction that explores the pervasive issue of sexual violence within the context of a college town. Published in 2015, the book offers an examination of several cases of sexual assault at the University of Montana in Missoula, shedding light on the systemic failures of the justice system and the broader societal attitudes that often exacerbate the trauma experienced by survivors. Krakauer, an investigative journalist and author known for works such as Into the Wild, Under the Banner of Heaven, and Into Thin Air, brings his research skills and narrative experience to this sensitive topic. His work on Missoula, which touches on themes such as The Dynamics of Sexual Assault Cases in the Legal System, Victim Advocacy and the Challenges Faced by Survivors, and The Role of Institutions in Perpetuating or Combating Rape Culture, is informed by his interest in social justice and his previous explorations of human behavior in extreme circumstances.

This study guide references the 2015 Doubleday e-book edition.

Content Warning: The source text and this guide contain references to substance use disorders, alcohol misuse, mental health conditions, and sexual assault and the emotional and psychological impact on survivors.

Summary

Missoula opens with the story of Allison Huguet, a young woman from Missoula, Montana, who was raped by her childhood friend, Beau Donaldson, after a party in 2010. Krakauer details the immediate aftermath of the assault, including Huguet’s decision to undergo a forensic examination and her struggle with whether to report the crime to the police. Despite the trauma she endured, Huguet eventually decides to seek justice, leading to a complex legal battle that exposes the shortcomings of the criminal justice system in dealing with cases of acquaintance rape. Donaldson’s eventual confession and plea bargain serve as a focal point for Krakauer’s critique of how these cases are often mishandled, especially when the accused is a well-known figure in the community.

The narrative then broadens to include the experiences of other women in Missoula who faced similar challenges. One of the most prominent cases explored is that of Cecilia Washburn, a University of Montana student who accused Jordan Johnson, the star quarterback of the university’s football team, of raping her. Washburn’s case became highly publicized, drawing intense scrutiny and public debate. Krakauer examines the legal proceedings, highlighting the aggressive defense tactics used to discredit Washburn and the broader societal pressures that often discourage survivors from coming forward. Despite the evidence presented, including testimony from experts like Dr. David Lisak, Johnson was acquitted, a verdict that underscores the difficulties of prosecuting acquaintance rape.

Krakauer also probes the broader cultural and institutional factors that contribute to the perpetuation of sexual violence in Missoula and similar college towns across the United States. He explores the role of the University of Montana and its football culture, the influence of local law enforcement, and the community’s response to allegations of sexual assault. The book provides a detailed examination of the systemic issues within these institutions, including the reluctance to prosecute cases involving athletes and the tendency to protect the reputation of the university and the town over the rights of survivors.

Throughout the book, Krakauer weaves together these individual stories to illustrate the broader patterns of injustice and the failures of the criminal justice system. He emphasizes the emotional and psychological toll that these experiences have on survivors, as well as the societal pressures that often silence them. The book also addresses the complex dynamics of victim-blaming, the cultural denial of rape, and the challenges of achieving justice in a system that is often stacked against the survivor.

The book concludes with a reflection on the need for systemic change in how sexual assault cases are handled, both in Missoula and across the United States. Krakauer calls for greater accountability within institutions, more comprehensive support for survivors, and a cultural shift that prioritizes the rights and well-being of survivors over the protection of powerful individuals and institutions.