RALEIGH - Campbell Law School's LeAnn Cain '26 presented her research at the 16th annual Wiggins Memorial Library Academic Symposium, where she debuted her project, "When Women Bear the Ultimate Responsibility: Gendered Blame in Criminal Prosecutions."

Her work was featured among the many student research projects, posters and creative works showcased across Campbell University's academic disciplines on March 24.

Cain's presentation earned her a high merit award, which means she scored within the Top 10 percent of her category. All winners names will be published in the 2025-26 edition of Accolades and all will receive a prize seal for their certificate.

Cain's project examines how gendered stereotypes shape the treatment of women in the criminal legal system, particularly in capital cases. Her abstract states, "Although women represent a small percentage of death row inmates nationwide, their prosecutions reveal due process shortcomings rooted in gendered bias. More specifically, gender-based stereotypes are being weaponized against women of color, lesbians and women who don't conform to traditional norms of femininity, resulting in hyper-vilification and dehumanization during criminal proceedings."

She continues, "This paper builds on this theory by showing how some women are singled out even in multi-defendant cases or disadvantaged by larger institutional failures. Through an analysis of trial records, appellate opinions and congressional hearings, this study further exposes how gendered biases undermine procedural fairness and distort capital sentencing."

Cain completed her project under the mentorship of Assistant Professor of Law and Director of Trial Advocacy Chris Cox, who supported her exploration of the intersection between gender, criminal procedure and systemic inequities. Her full symposium submission is available at this link through the Wiggins Memorial Library's digital archive.

The Wiggins Academic Symposium provides a collaborative space for students and professionals to exchange knowledge, present research findings, and engage in interdisciplinary dialogue. According to the symposium website, the annual event highlights scholarship from dozens of academic programs across campus.

Cain's presentation at the 2026 Wiggins Memorial Symposium reflects her dedication to examining how gendered narratives shape criminal prosecutions and her commitment to advancing conversations about fairness, accountability and justice within the capital punishment system, Cox said.

ABOUT CAMPBELL LAW SCHOOL

Since its founding in 1976, Campbell Law has developed lawyers who possess moral conviction, social compassion, and professional competence, and who view the law as a calling to serve others. Among its accolades, the school has been recognized by the American Bar Association (ABA) as having the nation's top Professionalism Program and by the American Academy of Trial Lawyers for having the nation's best Trial Advocacy Program. Campbell Law boasts more than 5,000 alumni, who make their home in nearly all 50 states and beyond. In 2026, Campbell Law is celebrating 50 years of graduating legal leaders and 17 years of being located in a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of North Carolina's Capital City.

Kia Davis '26 Writer