Trying Sexual Offences: The Case for Reform

The Symposium

You are invited to our symposium Trying Sexual Offences: The Case for Reform marking the launch of the Law Commission’s review of the law, guidance and practice relating to the trial process in prosecutions of sexual offences.

The symposium will bring together academics and legal practitioners with an expertise and interest in sexual offences proceedings.

At the symposium, we will consider whether—and if so how—to reform the rules of evidence and the trial process in relation to sexual offences.

Join us to be part of the discussion.

Click here to read the full symposium agenda.

The Review

Following the Government’s report on the end-to-end rape review, the Government has asked the Law Commission to examine the trial process and to consider the law, guidance and practice relating to the use of evidence in prosecutions of sexual offences. We will consider the need for reform in order to improve understanding of consent and sexual harm and the treatment of victims, while ensuring that defendants receive a fair trial.

Specifically, the review will focus on countering juror misconceptions, evidence of complainants’ prior sexual history under s. 41 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 and evidence of the character of the defendant and complainant under the Criminal Justice Act 2003. The review will also look at the rules and procedure governing the pre-trial disclosure and admissibility of third-party records and reform of the legislative framework for the use of special measures.

Date and Time

Wednesday 2^nd February 2022

14:00 – 17:00

Location

This will be a virtual event. A Teams link will be sent to participants closer to the date.

Email evidence_in_sex_offences@lawcommission.gov.uk to book your place.