Litigating Sex Crimes in the United States: Has the Last Decade Made Any Difference?

Abstract

This comprehensive article reviews the history of advocacy on behalf of adult and child female victims of rape and other sexual assaults, focusing on both long term and short term trends. The first section provides statistical information about victimizations, rape reporting and prosecutions over the last 15 years. The second section explores the variety of issues that arise in the context of rape shields, including the extent of admission of evidence of prostitution and promiscuity, and urges that judges be required to find preliminary facts by a clear and convincing evidence standard before admitting any evidence of the complainant's sexual life that the defense claims is not barred by a rape shield. In addition, a reverse balancing test should also be required prohibiting such evidence of a sexual nature unless its probative value substantially outweighs the danger of harm to the complainant or unfair prejudice to any party. The author argues that these restrictions do not violate the Confrontation Clause.The next major section discusses the admission of the defendant's prior acts to prove propensity and lustful disposition. The author does not support the general admission of propensity evidence, but favors a flexible approach to the admission of Rule 404(b), particularly in child abuse cases, which is currently the prevalent approach. To the extent that propensity evidence is generally permitted, such as under the Federal Rules and in California, the author would also subject its admission to a clear and convincing evidence standard. Other topics addressed include rape counselor privileges; fresh complaint; DNA database issues, Sexual Abuse Response Teams and the use of forensic nurses.The article also explores how the rights of crime victims affect trials of sex crimes, and urges that more attention be given to providing legal assistance to child victims of sexual assaults. The article concludes by looking at evidentiary issues in child abuse cases, such as competency, remote testimony, expert testimony, and discusses the child friendly courtroom in light of Crawford's ban on testimonial statements in the absence of a declarant who has been subjected to cross examination.