Rape complainers should be represented in court: debate

 

A debate exploring whether complainers in rape cases should have their own lawyer in court is being staged by the Faculty in association with Rape Crisis Scotland.

The issue to be discussed will be: “This house believes that prosecution in the public interest cannot deliver justice to rape complainers unless they have independent representation.”

The event will be chaired by Gordon Jackson, QC, Dean of Faculty, while the speakers in favour of the motion are Simon Di Rollo, QC, and Professor Peter Duff, of Aberdeen University Law School, and those against it are Murdo Macleod, QC, and Clare Connelly, Advocate.

Sandy Brindley, of Rape Crisis Scotland, said: “We are delighted to work with the Faculty to organise this timely and important debate. Sexual offences now account for the vast majority of High Court trials, but convictions for rape and attempted rape are lower than for any other crime type. Significant concerns exist about the impact of the justice process on complainers. This debate will explore potential ways forward in our approach to sexual crime in Scotland.” 

Tickets are free for the debate, at 6pm on Wednesday, 28 November, in the Faculty’s Mackenzie Building, and can be booked at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/faculty-and-rape-crisis-debate-tickets-52000144833