NCJ Number
218114
Date Published
2002
Length
0 pages
Annotation
Using a case study that involved the processing of allegations of date rape, this DVD is designed to guide judges in conducting hearings and procedures that will ensure a fair trial that will protect the rights of the accused without retraumatizing the alleged rape victim.
Abstract
Introductory remarks note the existence of rape myths that can influence the actions of attorneys and judges and the importance of keeping these myths from affecting case-related decisions. Part I of the presentation focuses on how various stages of case processing might impact the victim, using dramatizations from transcripts of the case study of alleged date rape. The dramatized case-related activities are a probable cause hearing, a continuance hearing, a motion in limine for an expert witness, and voir dire. For each of these dramatizations, experts comment on how the findings of current research might impact judicial decisions, followed by comments from a panel of judges on the issues involved in the judge's decision in the dramatizations of the actual case procedures. Part II of the DVD focuses on case-related court activities that pertain to the rights of the defendant. Dramatizations pertain to a motion to admit prior bad acts of the defendant, the use of a victim impact statement, and the convicted defendant's sentencing hearing.