Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The word "rape" banned from being used in rape trial
3 comments
This is absolutely ridiculous. A judge presiding over a rape trial in Nebraska ordered the victim to abstain from using the word "rape" in her testimony, claiming it could "prejudice" the jury.
Yeah, it would prejudice the jury to think that the victim was forced into having sex against her will, which she was.
Many legal experts maintain that banning the word rape is preposterous. One lawyer representing the victim, Tory Bowen, commented: "It's virtually impossible to see a woman as a victim when you're calling a rape 'sex.' It's like a victim saying it was consensual."
Sigh.
Yeah, it would prejudice the jury to think that the victim was forced into having sex against her will, which she was.
Many legal experts maintain that banning the word rape is preposterous. One lawyer representing the victim, Tory Bowen, commented: "It's virtually impossible to see a woman as a victim when you're calling a rape 'sex.' It's like a victim saying it was consensual."
Sigh.
Posts
June 25, 2008 at 9:03 PM
That's so fucked up.
June 25, 2008 at 9:59 PM
Amen to what Anonymous said!
June 26, 2008 at 1:03 PM
I forget the specifics, but I think the victim refused to comply and still used the word anyway, saying she would be committing perjury if she called it sex (cuz it wasnt!). I think she was then brought to court for that... It's a lovely world we live in, when RAPE victims are brought to court for using the word rape... but oh the actual rapists? Not important.
And people wonder why the majority of rape victims don't come forth. :(