Sex Crimes on Trial

Victims of sexual crimes - both male and female - are often subjected to an intense scrutiny of both their 'sexual history' and 'sexual character' once the case is brought to court. In 1985 legislation was passed in Scotland to control the use of such evidence, and Sex Crimes on Trial reviews the last eight years to assess the impact this legislation has had, and illustrates why other systems have a lot to learn from the Scottish experience. Combining socio-legal analysis with empirical evidence, this book also covers wider theoretical concerns - including an analysis of the 'cross talk' between feminist and legal analysis, and a chapter on young complainants, analysing age-dependent characteristics - as well as providing basic introductory information for non-lawyers. It is a well-balanced and comprehensive study suitable for all socio-legal courses, women's studies and law.